Figuring out the direction of a magnetic field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the direction of the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire, specifically in relation to question 6 of a practice exam. Participants emphasize the importance of using the right-hand rule to ascertain the magnetic field's orientation based on the current's direction. The consensus is that the quadrants where the magnetic fields reinforce each other are critical for understanding the overall magnetic field direction. The clarification that both clockwise and counterclockwise directions can point in the same direction in specific quadrants (B and C) is a key takeaway.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and current-carrying wires
  • Familiarity with the right-hand rule for magnetic fields
  • Basic knowledge of quadrants in a Cartesian coordinate system
  • Ability to interpret physics practice exam questions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the right-hand rule in detail for magnetic field direction determination
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field reinforcement in different quadrants
  • Review the properties of magnetic fields surrounding current-carrying wires
  • Practice with additional physics problems related to magnetic fields and currents
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone preparing for exams involving electromagnetism and magnetic field concepts will benefit from this discussion.

uday28fb
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Giving this graph and the given direction of the current, which quadrant(s) will have the greatest magnetic field?

It's question 6 in the practice exam: http://www.phys.ufl.edu/courses/phy2054/sum08/ps2e2sm02.pdf

All it gives is the direction of the current. I understand that the quadrant(s) will be the area where the magnetic fields reinforce each other, but how are you suppose to find the direction of the field if all you're given is the current?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Doc Al said:
You are expected to know the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire. Hint: Use the right hand rule to find its direction.

Read this: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magcur.html#c1"

Thank it makes sense now. I was confused because the direction is either clockwise or counterclockwise. I reallise now that they both point in the same direction in B and C.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Calculating Area & Direction of Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Non-Uniform Magnetic Field Calculations
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Direction of the magnetic needle
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Question on magnetism: Circular motion of charged particle in a Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
Does a Bent Wire Affect Induction Calculations?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Why is magnetic field B along a straight wire circular not radial?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Induced Current Direction in a Changing Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Motional EMF in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Understanding work in translation and rotation of a magnetic dipole
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Electromagnetic effects and Magnetic Fields Questions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K