# Magnetic field. I need help on understanding this problem.

1. Apr 10, 2013

### physics=world

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Two long parallel conductors carry currents I_1 = 3.0A and I_2 = 3.0A, both directed into the page. Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant magnitude field at point p?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I need help with this problem. The professor only provided the answer but not the steps. I'm having a hard time understanding what to do. I can do all the other problems, but when it comes to a problem like this (with having to apply vectors) I do not know what to do. Help me.

First I tried drawing the magnetic fields (figure 2). Then I found the angles - 23 degrees and 67 degrees.

I am stuck after this. How do I solve using vectors?

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Last edited by a moderator: Apr 10, 2013
2. Apr 10, 2013

### Simon Bridge

3. Apr 11, 2013

### physics=world

what do you mean by tangential?

4. Apr 11, 2013

### Simon Bridge

The B field around a wire follows circles - at distance r, the B vector will be a tangent to the circle, centered on the wire, with radius r.

Is $\vec{B}_1$ the field due to $I_1$ and $\vec{B}_2$ the field due to $I_2$?
If so, they are pointing in the wrong directions. Please see the accompanying link.

5. Apr 11, 2013

### physics=world

oh yes, im sorry. your correct. i miswrote the B1 and B2.

6. Apr 11, 2013

### Simon Bridge

OK - so... do you know how to add vectors?

7. Apr 11, 2013

### physics=world

hmm is the special right triangle the triangle with the 90 degrees or is it the one with the added vectors?

8. Apr 11, 2013

### physics=world

i know how to add vectors like moving head to tail, but not very well when it comes to the math.

9. Apr 11, 2013

### physics=world

so at this point i would get a resultant vector that goes straight down. but im confuse. do i do the x and y component for B1 and B2 separately or do i do the x and y component for the resultant component?

10. Apr 11, 2013

### Simon Bridge

To use x-y components you need to define an x and y axis - which is not provided for you.
If you label the position of I1 as Q and I2 and R, then the straight down direction is the Q-R direction ... or "parallel to $\overrightarrow{QR}$"