Calculating Magnetic Field in Center of Twisted Conductor - Circuit Question

In summary: However, you need to take into account that the current loop is creating a magnetic field in addition to the magnetic field in the wire.
  • #1
Icheb
42
0
This is the circuit in question:
http://www.atnetzwerk.de/temp/windung.gif

There is an infinitely long isolated conductor and at one point it has a twist in the shape of a circle. Now I am supposed to find the strength of the magnetic field in the center of the twist when there's a current I applied to the conductor.

I know that [tex]H = \frac{I}{2r}[/tex] for the magnetic field at the center of a ring, but how does the infinitely long conductor come into place here? If I just take the conductor without the ring I could use [tex]H = \frac{I}{2 \pi r}[/tex], but that doesn't really help either.

My question is, how do I incorporate the infinitely long conductor into the equation?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It seems to me adding up the vector fields will do the trick. According to the right hand rule (if I'm not mistaken) the two fields will be anti-parallel, where the field of the wire "comes out of the page towards you".
 
Last edited:
  • #3
I'm not sure what you mean with "adding up the vector fields"? How do I use the fact that the conductor is infinitely long?
 
  • #4
I thought about it more and I'm wondering whether my solution is correct, because it seems overly simple:

[tex]H = \frac{I}{2r} + \frac{I}{2\pi r}[/tex]

And then just simplify and done?
 
  • #5
Not quite. Firstly for some corrections. The magentic fields are given by

Infitely Long Straight Wire

[tex]B = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi R}[/tex]

At The centre of a Loop of wire

[tex]B = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{R}[/tex]

Now, you are partially right when you said this;

I thought about it more and I'm wondering whether my solution is correct, because it seems overly simple:

[tex]H = \frac{I}{2r} + \frac{I}{2\pi r}[/tex]

And then just simplify and done?

However, as Ahmes said, you need to consider the vector sum of the fields, which means taking into account the direction of the field lines. Now, if you analyse the direction of the current you will find that the field of the loop is directed perpendicular to the plain of your moniter acting towards you. And the field of the wire is also acting in the same plane.

Can you go from here?

~H
 
Last edited:
  • #6
If I understand you correctly the vector of the magnetic field in the loop is
[tex]\left(
\begin{array}{c}
0\\
0\\
\frac{\mu_0 I}{R}
\end{array}
\right)
[/tex]
and the vector of the magnetic field in the wire is
[tex]\left(
\begin{array}{c}
0\\
-\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi R}\\
0
\end{array}
\right)
[/tex]
Then I just add those vectors and I have the solution?
 
  • #7
Icheb, both fields are the same component (you can randomly choose it to be z). Only the signs matter here. So it should be (I didn't check the numbers, I don't remember the wire/ring field formulae by heart):
[tex]\left(
\begin{array}{c}
0\\
0\\
\frac{\mu_0 I}{R}-\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi R}
\end{array}
\right)
[/tex]
 
  • #8
Whoops, of course! Thank you. :)
 
  • #9
I have [tex]B = -\frac{\mu_{0}I}{2 R}[/tex] for the magnetic field produced by the current loop. This is probably arbitrary but I would write the vector as

[tex]\left(
\begin{array}{c}
0\\
0\\
\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi R}-\frac{\mu_0 I}{2R}
\end{array}
\right)
[/tex]

instead.
 
  • #10
dimensionless said:
I have [tex]B = -\frac{\mu_{0}I}{2 R}[/tex] for the magnetic field produced by the current loop. This is probably arbitrary but I would write the vector as

[tex]\left(
\begin{array}{c}
0\\
0\\
\frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi R}-\frac{\mu_0 I}{2R}
\end{array}
\right)
[/tex]

instead.

Your vector is identical to Ahmes'
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force is exerted on a magnetic material or a moving electric charge. It is created by electric currents or by the intrinsic magnetic moment of elementary particles.

How is a magnetic field measured?

A magnetic field is measured using a device called a magnetometer. This device detects and measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in a particular location.

What are the units of measurement for magnetic field?

The units of measurement for magnetic field are typically given in units of Teslas (T) or Gauss (G). 1 Tesla is equal to 10,000 Gauss.

What are some applications of magnetic fields?

Magnetic fields have many practical applications, including in electric motors, generators, MRI machines, compasses, and magnetic storage devices such as hard drives and credit cards. They are also used in scientific research, such as in particle accelerators and fusion reactors.

Can magnetic fields be harmful to humans?

High levels of magnetic fields can be harmful to humans, causing health problems such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. However, the magnetic fields produced by everyday objects and devices are typically too weak to cause harm.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
267
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
41
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
0
Views
119
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
54
Views
3K
Replies
27
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
Back
Top