Direction of magnetic field problem (Right Hand Rule)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the direction of the magnetic field using the right-hand rule in the context of a problem involving two currents, I1 and I2. The original poster has calculated the magnetic field in a specific region but is uncertain about how to apply the right-hand rule due to the presence of two currents.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the right-hand rule but is confused about which current to use for determining the direction of the magnetic field. Some participants suggest using the direction of I1 while others note that the lack of information about the relative magnitudes of the currents complicates the situation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of not knowing which current is greater. There is an acknowledgment that without specific values or additional information, the direction of the magnetic field cannot be definitively determined.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the problem lacks specific information regarding the magnitudes of the currents, which is essential for applying the right-hand rule effectively.

Tomi Kolawole
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Homework Statement


media%2F1da%2F1da9e30f-97fb-4afe-95f0-187c5571206a%2FphpK1ophx.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I have already solved for the magnetic fields everywhere AND THE magnetic field at R>F = (U/2*PI*R)*(I2-I1)

My only problem is i know i use the right hand rule to determine the direction of the magnetic field B as clockwise or counter clockwise, however there are 2 currents i2 and i1 so which current do i put my thumb to determine the direction of B at R>F?
 

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Tomi Kolawole said:
I have already solved for the magnetic fields everywhere AND THE magnetic field at R>F = (U/2*PI*R)*(I2-I1)
This is incorrect. Your expression in the region R > F is missing a denominator. Anyway, since your expression has (i2-i1), put your thumb in the direction of i1 and do the right hand rule thing. Ultimately, the direction the B-field will depend on which of the two currents is greater than the other. If your are given that i2 > i1, then the direction will be as you have chosen, else it will be the opposite direction.
 
They didnt say which is greater than the other in the question stated above, so how can i know?
 
You can't possibly know unless you have numbers or at least someone tells you which current is greater than the other.
 

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