Magnetic Fields Produced by Currents

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the current in a long, straight wire oriented north-south, with a horizontal magnetic field of 4.5 x 10-5T directed north. A compass needle located 1.9 cm below the wire points 40° north of west, indicating the influence of the wire's magnetic field on the compass. The relevant equations include the magnetic force equation F = ILB sin θ and the magnetic field due to a long straight wire B = (μ0 I)/(2πr). The challenge lies in correctly applying vector components to solve for the current.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and forces
  • Familiarity with vector addition in physics
  • Knowledge of the Biot-Savart Law
  • Basic proficiency in trigonometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Biot-Savart Law for magnetic field calculations
  • Learn about vector components in magnetic field problems
  • Explore the relationship between current and magnetic field strength
  • Practice problems involving compass deflection due to magnetic fields
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electromagnetism and magnetic field interactions.

bobbworm42
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A long, straight wire is oriented in the north-south direction, and the current in the wire is directed to the north. The horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field is 4.5 x 10-5T and points due north. A small horizontal compass needle is located directly below the wire, 1.9 cm from it. The compass needle points 40° north of west. What is the current in the wire?

So I know that:

B(horz.) = 4.5 x 10-5 T
r = .019 m
Theta = 40° North of West

I have tried combing F = ILB sin theta and B= (U(0) I)/(2*p* r), but I can find no place to incorporate my theta or how to find the vertical component of the Earth's magnetic field (if it is even needed).

Please show me the error of my ways.
 
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You may be over complicating the problem. At the bottom of the wire the magnetic field is pointing in the west direction with some magnitude based on how far away it is and how much current flows (you only know one of these). The Earth's field is pointing in the north direction. It's a vector problem.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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