Electromagnetics - Two long wires carry equal, but opposite currents

In summary: INT: The magnetic field at point P due to the two wires will be equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, resulting in a net magnetic field of zero at point P. This can be determined by the right hand rule, where the direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the current in the wire.
  • #1
Drevin
11
0
Another Electromagnetics question...

Two long wires carry equal, but oppositely directed, 25 A currents. What is the magnitude of magnetic field due to these currents at point P? The wires are 0.1 m apart and point P is 0.05m in between the wires.

Would the following be the correct way to solve it?

B = (4pi * 10^-7)(25) / (2)(pi)(0.05)

(Phys. 12)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Drevin said:
Another Electromagnetics question...

Two long wires carry equal, but oppositely directed, 25 A currents. What is the magnitude of magnetic field due to these currents at point P? The wires are 0.1 m apart and point P is 0.05m in between the wires.

Would the following be the correct way to solve it?

B = (4pi * 10^-7)(25) / (2)(pi)(0.05)

(Phys. 12)

1. Do you know the expression for magnetic field set up by a long straight wire (of course you do).

2. At point P can you determine the directions of the two fields (due to the two wires)?

3. Determine the fields and add them vectorially :smile:
 
  • #3
HINT: The question is easier than it first seems and can be answered by inspection; no calculations are nesscary, but they could be used to obtain the same answer. Think bout what determines the magnitude of the magnetic field. Think about what determines the direction of the magnetic field.

:wink:
~H
 

What is electromagnetism?

Electromagnetism is a branch of physics that deals with the study of the interaction between electrically charged particles and their surrounding electromagnetic fields.

What is the significance of two long wires carrying equal and opposite currents?

When two long wires carry equal, but opposite currents, they create a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the wires. This is known as the Biot-Savart law and is the basis for many applications of electromagnetism, such as electric motors and generators.

How are the magnetic fields of two long wires affected when they are parallel to each other?

When two long wires are parallel to each other, the magnetic fields they create will interact with each other. If the currents are in the same direction, the magnetic fields will attract each other, whereas if the currents are in opposite directions, the magnetic fields will repel each other.

What is the relationship between the distance between the two wires and the strength of the magnetic field?

The strength of the magnetic field created by two long wires is inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that the closer the wires are to each other, the stronger the magnetic field will be, and vice versa.

How can the direction of the magnetic field be determined in this scenario?

The direction of the magnetic field created by two long wires can be determined using the right-hand rule. If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current in one wire, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field created by that wire. The direction of the magnetic field for the other wire will be in the opposite direction.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
962
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
665
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
706
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
836
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
984
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top