Magnetic Field above a Rectangular Circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnetic field generated by a rectangular conducting wire carrying a constant current, specifically at a point along an axis parallel to the z-axis that intersects the diagonals of the rectangle. The context is rooted in electromagnetic theory, particularly the application of the Biot-Savart law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the implications of the changing angle in the cross product within the Biot-Savart law as they integrate along the wire. They question whether the angle between the differential length element and the position vector varies throughout the integration process.

Discussion Status

Participants acknowledge the original poster's concerns regarding the changing angle and confirm that it is a significant factor in the calculations. Some guidance is provided by referencing the calculation for an infinite line of current, suggesting that similar principles apply to the finite loop. The discussion reflects a productive exploration of the problem without reaching a consensus on a specific method.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the Biot-Savart law is applicable and that the integration will require careful consideration of the geometry involved in the rectangular circuit.

Contingency
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Homework Statement


On the XY there lies a conducting wire-rectangle with sides parallel to the axis.
The current is given and constant.
What is the magnitude of the magnetic field along an axis parallel to the z axis, going through the intersection of the rectangle's diagonals?

Homework Equations


[tex]\vec { dB } =\frac { I }{ c{ \left| \vec { r } \right| }^{ 3 } } \vec { dl } \times \vec { r }[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Due to symmetry, I can expect the field along this axis to be in the z direction. I can integrate along just one of each pair of the circuit's sides and double the result.
What I'm having trouble with is the cross product in Biot-Savart's Law - it seems to me that the angle [itex]{ \theta }_{ \vec { dl } ,\vec { r } }[/itex]changes throughout the integral. If this is true then it seems the calculation of the field is not too easy..
I'd just like to make sure I'm correct before I get into it - does [itex]{ \theta }_{ \vec { dl } ,\vec { r } }[/itex]change throughout the integral?
 
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Remind yourself how the calculation goes for an infinite line of current using the Biot-Savart law. The same calculation will apply to each piece of the loop, just with finite integration bounds.
 
I haven't calculated that field with Biot-Savart.. But I presume the implied answer is that the angle changes and this is not negligible.. Right?
 
Yes, the angle changes. It is usually one of the first calculations done in any EM text after introducing the Biot-Savart law. You can take at look at "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths, for instance.
 

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