rss14 said:Homework Statement
Calculate the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field 25cm to the east of a straight vertical wire with a current of 12A downward through the air.
Homework Equations
B = u(I / 2*pi*r)
The Attempt at a Solution
Finding the magnitude is simple, but finding the direction is giving me difficulty.
The magnitude is 9.6E-6 T, and the direction is South. How is the direction South?
rss14 said:Clockwise, since the current faces downwards.
So the direction for that point (east of the wire) is South because that is the direction the field faces when it connects with the point?
A magnetic field is an area around a magnet or a current-carrying wire where magnetic forces are exerted on other objects. It is represented by lines of force that point in the direction of the magnetic field.
The direction of a magnetic field is determined by the direction in which a compass needle points. The North pole of a compass needle will point towards the South pole of a magnet, and vice versa.
The strength of a magnetic field is affected by the distance from the source of the field, the strength of the magnet or current producing the field, and any intervening materials or objects that may interfere with the field.
Magnetic fields interact with each other through a phenomenon called magnetic induction, in which a change in the strength or direction of one magnetic field can induce a corresponding change in another nearby magnetic field.
Yes, magnetic fields can be shielded or blocked by certain materials, such as iron or steel. These materials redirect the magnetic field lines, preventing them from passing through and reducing the strength of the field.