Magnetic Field & 2 wires with same current

In summary, the problem involves two long, parallel wires carrying equal currents in the same direction. The task is to find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at a specific point above one of the wires. The formula for calculating the magnetic field is given, as well as the value for the constant \mu0. The right hand rule is also mentioned as a method for finding the direction of the field. A diagram is suggested to help visualize the problem and the distances between the wires and the point of interest are provided. To solve the problem, the distance from the wire to the point is calculated, and then the formula for the magnetic field is applied. The final step is to add the vectors for the forces due to each wire to find
  • #1
sami23
76
1

Homework Statement


Two long, straight, parallel wires, 10.0 cm apart carry equal 3.78A currents in the same direction. Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at point 15.4 cm above one wire.


Homework Equations


B= ([tex]\mu[/tex]0I)/(2[tex]\pi[/tex]r)
[tex]\mu[/tex]0 = 4[tex]\pi[/tex] * 10-7
Use the right hand rule to find the direction of magnetic field

The Attempt at a Solution


(4[tex]\pi[/tex]*10-7)*3.78 / (2[tex]\pi[/tex]0.154) * cos([tex]\theta[/tex])*2
I'm not sure on how to go about solving this problem
 

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  • #2
That's the correct formula for finding the flux density B at a point a distance r from a long straight wire carrying a current I
A diagram helps a lot here.
The two wires are L and R and we are looking along them, the current flowing into the page/screen.
The point we are interested in is at P.
The distances are shown.
Can you calculate the distance LP which you need to find the field due to L?
Mag-BField2.png

The magnitude and direction of the field at P is found by adding the two vectors for the forces due to L and R. These are shown as BL and BR.
Do you know how to add vectors?


Remember, the magnetic field around a wire is a circle with the wire at the centre.
If the current is into the page the field is clockwise around the wire.
 
  • #3
LP = [tex]\sqrt{0.154^2+0.1^2}[/tex] = 0.1836 m

B = (4[tex]\pi[/tex]*10-7)(3.78) / (2[tex]\pi[/tex]*0.1836) = 4.12 T
 
  • #4
You have calculated BL
The answer should be 4.12μT not 4.12T
You also need to calculate BR
(It's the same formula but with r=0.154m)

When you have both BL and BR you need to add the vectors. Do you know how to do that?
 
  • #5
Yes, Thanks so much.
 

FAQ: Magnetic Field & 2 wires with same current

How do the magnetic fields of two wires with the same current interact?

The magnetic fields of two wires with the same current interact through a phenomenon known as the right-hand rule. This rule states that if you point your right thumb in the direction of the current in the first wire, the magnetic field will wrap around the wire in the direction that your fingers curl. If you then place your second wire parallel to the first, the magnetic field will interact with the current in the second wire, causing the wires to either attract or repel each other.

What is the direction of the magnetic field between two wires with the same current?

The direction of the magnetic field between two wires with the same current depends on the direction of the current in each wire. If the currents are flowing in the same direction, the magnetic field will be parallel and the wires will attract each other. If the currents are flowing in opposite directions, the magnetic field will be anti-parallel and the wires will repel each other.

How does the distance between two wires with the same current affect the strength of the magnetic field?

The strength of the magnetic field between two wires with the same current is inversely proportional to the distance between the wires. This means that as the distance between the wires increases, the strength of the magnetic field decreases. This is because the magnetic field spreads out as it moves away from the wires, resulting in a weaker field at a greater distance.

Can the magnetic field between two wires with the same current be turned off?

Yes, the magnetic field between two wires with the same current can be turned off by either turning off the current in one of the wires or by moving the wires so that they are no longer parallel. Without a current flowing through the wires, there will be no magnetic field present. Additionally, if the wires are no longer parallel, the magnetic field will no longer interact with the current in the other wire.

Can the strength of the magnetic field between two wires with the same current be increased?

Yes, the strength of the magnetic field between two wires with the same current can be increased by increasing the current in the wires. The strength of the magnetic field is directly proportional to the current, so as the current increases, the magnetic field will also increase. Additionally, bringing the wires closer together will also increase the strength of the magnetic field between them.

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