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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field produced by a rectangular loop carrying current I, with dimensions 4.2 cm by 9.5 cm. The magnetic field at the center of the loop is given as 5.60×10-5 T, directed away from the observer. The Biot-Savart Law is applied to derive the magnetic field contributions from each side of the loop, emphasizing the need for integration to accurately compute the field from finite current segments. The total magnetic field is expressed as the sum of contributions from all four sides of the loop.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Biot-Savart Law
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and integration
  • Knowledge of magnetic field concepts and units (Tesla)
  • Ability to apply the right-hand rule for magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the integration of the Biot-Savart Law for finite current segments
  • Review textbooks or resources on magnetic fields from current-carrying conductors
  • Watch instructional videos on calculating magnetic fields for rectangular loops
  • Practice problems involving magnetic fields and current loops
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying loops.

blastoise
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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.
 
Last edited:
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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.
 

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