How Do Magnetic Coils Affect Bird Navigation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of the magnetic field produced by two identical Helmholtz coils, each with a radius of 1.2 cm and spaced 2.2 cm apart, carrying a current to achieve a magnetic field of 4.5e-5 T at the midpoint. The correct current required for this configuration is 21.5 mA, contrary to the incorrect calculation of 56.4 A. The Biot-Savart law is essential for deriving the magnetic field on the axis of a loop, which is crucial for solving this problem accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Biot-Savart law
  • Familiarity with Helmholtz coil configurations
  • Knowledge of magnetic field calculations
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the magnetic field using the Biot-Savart law
  • Learn about Helmholtz coil design and its applications in experiments
  • Explore the relationship between current, turns of wire, and magnetic field strength
  • Investigate the effects of magnetic fields on animal navigation
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, researchers studying animal navigation, and educators teaching electromagnetism concepts will benefit from this discussion.

stryker123
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Possible Helmholtz equation?

Homework Statement



Heres my problem: In recent studies of migrating birds using the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, birds have been fitted with coils as "caps" and "collars".


a. If the identical coils have radii of 1.2cm and are 2.2cm apart, with 50 turns of wire apiece, what current should they both carry to produce a magnetic field of 4.5e-5 T halfway between them?


I have no idea how to start/do this problem and don't know what equations I should use.


Homework Equations



B = uo(I)(L)

The Attempt at a Solution



I found B to be 56.4A, however, the correct answer is supposidly 21.5mA. How is this possible/what did I do wrong?
 
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You have to use the formula for B on the axis of a loop.
It is easy to derive using Biot-Savart.
 

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