Magnetic fields and the right hand grip rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field at point O, located 10 cm from a wire carrying a 1.0 A current directed into the page. The magnetic field magnitude is determined to be 2 µT using the formula B(r) = μ i / 2π r, with the direction being downward according to the right hand grip rule. For the second wire, also carrying a 1.0 A current, it must flow out of the page to ensure the magnetic field at point O is non-zero, as a current directed into the page would result in a zero net magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the right hand grip rule
  • Familiarity with the formula B(r) = μ i / 2π r
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and current-carrying wires
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to magnetic field direction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the right hand grip rule in various configurations of current-carrying wires
  • Explore the effects of multiple current-carrying wires on magnetic field strength and direction
  • Learn about the Biot-Savart Law for calculating magnetic fields in complex scenarios
  • Investigate the relationship between current direction and magnetic field orientation in electromagnetic theory
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of magnetic fields generated by electric currents.

shyguy79
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Homework Statement


(i) Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the point O located at a distance D = 10 cm from a wire carrying a current i = 1.0 A directed into the page, as shown in the attached drawing.

(ii) A second wire, identical to the first, is placed a distance D = 10 cm on the opposite side of O from the first wire as shown in Figure 3. This second wire carries a current with the same magnitude of i = 1.0 A. In which direction must this current flow in order for the magnetic field strength at O to be non* zero?

Homework Equations


Right hand grip rule
B(r) = μ i / 2π r

The Attempt at a Solution


For (i) I've got the magnitude of the field as 2uT from the B(r) = u i / 2π r and the direction as downwards using the right hand grip rule.

For (ii) I'm assuming that for it to be non zero then the current would have to be directed out of the page - if it was into the page then the resultant would be zero?
 

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shyguy79 said:

Homework Statement


(i) Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field at the point O located at a distance D = 10 cm from a wire carrying a current i = 1.0 A directed into the page, as shown in the attached drawing.

(ii) A second wire, identical to the first, is placed a distance D = 10 cm on the opposite side of O from the first wire as shown in Figure 3. This second wire carries a current with the same magnitude of i = 1.0 A. In which direction must this current flow in order for the magnetic field strength at O to be non* zero?

Homework Equations


Right hand grip rule
B(r) = u i / 2π r

The Attempt at a Solution


For (i) I've got the magnitude of the field as 2uT from the B(r) = u i / 2π r and the direction as downwards using the right hand grip rule.

For (ii) I'm assuming that for it to be non zero then the current would have to be directed out of the page - if it was into the page then the resultant would be zero?
attachment.php?attachmentid=43816&d=1329071935.jpg


(i) I didn't check the numbers, but that's the way to calculate the B-field at point O

For (ii), You have the correct result, but it's not so much an assumption as it is a well-reasoned conclusion.
 
Thank you SammyS (i) that's exactly what the question asked for and (ii) I thought so... cheers - I feel so much better now.
 

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