Magnetic field at center of rectangular loop

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SUMMARY

The magnetic field at the center of a rectangular loop with sides 2a and 2b can be calculated using the formulas for the contributions from each pair of sides. The magnetic field due to the sides of length 2a is given by B_{A} = \frac{\mu_{0} i}{2 \pi B} \frac{A}{\sqrt{\frac{A^2}{4} + B^2}}, while the contribution from the sides of length 2b is B_{B} = \frac{\mu_{0} i}{2 \pi B} \frac{B}{\sqrt{\frac{B^2}{4} + A^2}}. It is crucial to apply vector addition when combining these fields, as they are vectors and not simply magnitudes. Additionally, any variations in the magnetic fields must be referenced to the same coordinate system for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and vector addition
  • Familiarity with the Biot-Savart Law
  • Knowledge of the permeability of free space, μ₀
  • Basic algebra and geometry related to rectangular shapes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Biot-Savart Law in detail
  • Learn about vector addition in the context of magnetic fields
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field lines and their properties
  • Investigate the effects of varying current on magnetic fields in loops
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stunner5000pt
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Find the magnetic field at the center of a rectangular loop with sides 2a and 2b.

well ok due to the sides with length 2a
B_{A} = \frac{\mu_{0} i}{2 \pi B} \frac{A}{\sqrt{\frac{A^2}{4} + B^2}}

and due to 2B sides
B_{B} = \frac{\mu_{0} i}{2 \pi B} \frac{B}{\sqrt{\frac{B^2}{4} + A^2}}

adding these two up yields the answer? Is this right? Please advise! Thanks!
 
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Don't forget that magnetic fields are vectors, and so they obey vector addition. So it is not correct to add up the magnitudes of two magnetic fields unless they are parallel everywhere.

And of course it goes without saying that if your fields vary with position, then they have to be referenced to the same coordinate system.
 

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