Magnitude of Current through a Rectangular Loop, given the Magnetic field

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To find the magnitude of the current through a rectangular loop producing a magnetic field of 5.60×10−5 T, the Biot-Savart law is applied, but the initial approach using simple calculations for each side is incorrect. The correct method involves integrating the Biot-Savart law to account for the contributions from each segment of the loop. The dimensions of the loop are 4.2 cm by 9.5 cm, and the magnetic field direction is established using the right-hand rule. The total magnetic field is the sum of the contributions from all four sides of the loop. Proper integration techniques are necessary for accurate results in this scenario.
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Homework Statement


A rectangular loop with dimensions 4.2 cm by 9.5 carries current I. The current in the loop produces a magnetic field at the center of the loop that has magnitude 5.60×10−5 T and direction away from you as you view the plane of the loop.

Homework Equations



\vec{B}=\frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{Id\vec{l}\times \vec{r}}{r^2} (1.0) \ \ :|\vec{B}| =5.60 \times 10^{-5}; μ_0:= 4\pi \times 10^{-7} .

Where, dl is length, r hat is the unit vector, r^2 is source to point (would like to get this checked though not sure).

The Attempt at a Solution



Coordinate system: Holding up our left hand making an L with the index finger and thumb, let the thumb point in the + X direction index finger point in the +Y direction. Then the -Z direction will be defined in the direction we look.

Recall the unit vector is written in the form <i,j,k>. It becomes apparent using the "Right hand rule" the B field is pointing in the -k direction at all points; Thus, using the Principle of Superposition of Magnetic fields - The total magnetic field caused by several moving charges is the vector sum of the fields caused by the individual charges one can sum the magnetic field B created by the 4 wire segments(the dl vector is a vector with length dl, in the same direction as the current in the conductor).

Let B_1 be when L = 9.5 cm = .095m and r = 4.2cm /2 = .021 m is my r correct?
Then,
B_1=\frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*L}{r^2} = \frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*.095m}{.021^2m^2} .

Since there are two sides with 9.5 cm that create a B field in the -K direction the B field produced them is 2*B_1.

Let B_2 be when L = 4.5 cm = .045m and r = 9.5 cm / 2 = .0475m; Then,

B_2=\frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*L}{r^2} = \frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*.045m}{.0475^2m^2} .

Since there are two sides with 4.5cm that create a B field in the -K direction the B field produced by them is 2*B_2.

The Total B field is then 2B_1 + 2B_2

5.60×10^{-5}T=\frac{μ_0}{4\pi} I2[ \frac{.095 m}{.021^2m^2}+ \frac{.042m}{.0475^2m^2}] .^ was wondering if that is correct.

(1.0) is Law of Biot and Savart.
 
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blastoise said:
Let B_1 be when L = 9.5 cm = .095m and r = 4.2cm /2 = .021 m is my r correct?
Then,
B_1=\frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*L}{r^2} = \frac{μ_0}{4\pi} \frac{I*.095m}{.021^2m^2} .
This is not the correct way to get the magnetic field due to one side of the rectangle. You need to integrate the Biot-Savart law. Using integration to find the B field of a finite, straight segment of current is a standard example in textbooks. So, this might already be worked out in your book or class notes. Or, check out this video.

The total field due to all 4 sides can then be found by adding the contributions from each of the 4 sides.
 
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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