Magnetic field produced by an electric current

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    Conducting Orthogonal
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the magnetic field produced by an electric current in different conducting materials, particularly focusing on how the nature of the conductor affects the intensity of the magnetic field. Participants explore the relationship between current, charge density, and the properties of various materials, including graphene.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the effects of using different conductive materials, like graphene, on the intensity of the magnetic field produced by an alternating current.
  • Another participant asserts that the external magnetic field depends on the flow of current rather than the nature of the conductive material, suggesting that material properties influence circuit efficiency and current distribution.
  • A further contribution states that a given current density produces the same magnetic field regardless of the charge density or speed of the charges involved.
  • One participant seeks clarification on whether the magnetic field depends solely on the total number of electric charges in motion.
  • A response confirms that if "number in motion" refers to the number of charges passing a point per unit time, then the magnetic field remains consistent across different materials, provided the current is maintained.
  • Another participant provides a quantitative perspective on charge, noting that one coulomb of charge corresponds to a specific number of electrons and that the magnetic field is proportional to the current.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of material properties on the magnetic field, with some asserting that the magnetic field is solely dependent on current, while others explore the implications of using different materials. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which material characteristics may affect the magnetic field.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the definitions of current density and charge motion that are not fully explored. The discussion also does not resolve how variations in material properties might influence practical applications.

arivel
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Hi everyone .
if an alternating electric current passes through a piece of straight conducting wire, a proportional magnetic field appears on the orthogonal plane.
what happens to the magnetic field if instead of copper, as a conductor, I use different materials with particular characteristics?. I'm interested in knowing if the intensity of the field increases or stays that way.
let's take graphene as an example, in this material the speed of the electrons is much higher.
Thank you .
 
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The external magnetic field is dependent on the flow of current, not on the nature of the conductive material.

The conductive material determines the efficiency of the electrical circuit that sources and maintains the current. The material may influence the current distribution, within a bulky conductor. That may slightly change the field when compared to a filamentary current.
 
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In particular, if you have a given current density it produces the same magnetic field regardless of whether that represents a large charge density moving slowly or a small charge density moving quickly.
 
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so if I understand correctly it depends only on the total number of electric charges in motion?
 
arivel said:
so if I understand correctly it depends only on the total number of electric charges in motion?
As long as by "number in motion" you mean "number passing a point per unit time", yes. This can be achieved with different numbers of mobile electrons moving with different speeds.

So if you set up some current then switch materials and adjust your power source to get the same current the magnetic field will be the same as will the number of electrons passing any point, but the total number of electrons in motion and their speeds may be different.
 
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One electron has a negative charge of 1.602×10−19 coulomb.
So it takes 6.2415×1018 electrons to make one coulomb of charge.
When one coulomb of charge flows past in one second, the current is one ampere.
The magnetic field is proportional to the current.
 

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