Magnetic Field at the center of a square loop

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic field at the center of a square wire loop with a current of 15.0 A. The initial attempt used an incorrect approach by considering the entire length of the wire segments instead of focusing on the specified 1.30 mm segments at the midpoint of each side. Participants noted that this oversight could significantly affect the result, potentially reducing the magnetic field by a factor of 100. Clarification was provided that the calculation should only include the contribution from the central 1.30 mm sections of each wire. The conversation highlights the importance of carefully interpreting problem statements in physics exercises.
Elvis 123456789
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Homework Statement


A square wire loop 12.0 cm on each side carries a clockwise current of 15.0 A

Find the magnitude of the magnetic field at its center due to the four 1.30 −mm wire segments at the midpoint of each side.

Homework Equations


B = (μ0*I)/(4π)*(2a)/(x√(x^2+a^2))

The Attempt at a Solution


I used the above equation for magnetic field at the center of the square loop due to one wire and then multiplied it by 4 since the contribution due to each wire segment is the same by symmetry.

B = 4*(4π*10^-7*15)/(4π)*(2*0.06)/(0.06*√(0.06^2+0.06^2))

B = 1.41*10^-4 T

This answer is wrong and I don't know why
 
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Elvis 123456789 said:
Find the magnitude of the magnetic field at its center due to the four 1.30 −mm wire segments at the midpoint of each side
It looks to me you found the magnetic field at its center due to the four whole 12 cm wire sides. What about these strange 1.3 mm segments ?
 
BvU said:
It looks to me you found the magnetic field at its center due to the four whle 12 cm wire sides. What about these strange 1.3 mm segments ?
I am actually not even certain what is meant by that part, I kinda just dismissed it as unnecessary information.
 
What if it is serious information ? You'd get almost a factor 100 less !
But I grant you that I too find it a weird way to formulate an exercise.
 
BvU said:
What if it is serious information ? You'd get almost a factor 100 less !
But I grant you that I too find it a weird way to formulate an exercise.
So instead of considering the contribution to the magnetic field due to each entire wire segment, am I only supposed to consider the contribution due to the middle 1.3mm piece of each segment? The question seems much more ambiguous to me now that you brought that to my attention.
 
That's what it says to me.
 
BvU said:
That's what it says to me.
Yes this was the case indeed, thanks for your help sir.
 
You're welcome :smile:
 
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