Magnitude of the resulting magnetic field

In summary, two long straight parallel wires, separated by a distance of 20 cm, carry currents of 30 A and 40 A in opposite directions. To find the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field at a point 15 cm from the wire carrying 30 A and 25 cm from the other wire, you must use the equation that gives the magnitude of the magnetic field due to a long wire and find its direction. This can be done by first finding the point of interest using trigonometry, and then calculating the field from each current at that point. The resultant field can be found by adding the contributions from each wire as vectors. It is important to note that the question assumes the point of interest is on a line perpendicular
  • #1
austin007
8
0
2 long straight parallel wires separated by a distance of 20 cm carry currents of 30 A and 40 A in opposite directions. What is the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field at a point 15 cm frm the wire carrying the 30 A and 25 cm from the other wire?

How do I go about solving this problem?
 
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  • #2
What is the equation that gives you the magnitude of the magnetic field due to a long wire? How do you find its direction? Start from there and add the two fields because there are two wires.

** Edit **
The assumption is that the point you are considering is on a line perpendicular to the wires.
 
  • #3
First find the point that they are talking about (use a bit of trig). Then find the field from each current at that point (magnitude and direction). To find the resultant field, just add the contribution from each wire. (Add them as vectors, of course.)
 
  • #4
It's 2 different points: one at 15 cm away from 30 A wire; the other at 25 cm away from 40 A wire.
The point does not coincides. Do I still add to get resultant or get 2 answers for 2 diff. points?
 
  • #5
austin007 said:
It's 2 different points: one at 15 cm away from 30 A wire; the other at 25 cm away from 40 A wire.
The point does not coincides.
No, it's a single point. Otherwise the question makes no sense. :wink: (Hint: Draw circles of appropriate radius about each wire. See where they intersect.)
 

What is the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field?

The magnitude of the resulting magnetic field is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field at a specific point in space. It is typically measured in units of teslas (T) or gauss (G).

How is the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field calculated?

The magnitude of the resulting magnetic field is calculated using the formula B = μ0I/2πr, where μ0 is the permeability of free space, I is the current, and r is the distance from the current-carrying wire.

What factors affect the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field?

The magnitude of the resulting magnetic field is affected by the strength of the current, the distance from the current-carrying wire, and the permeability of the material in the surrounding area. It can also be affected by the shape and orientation of the current-carrying wire.

Why is the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field important?

The magnitude of the resulting magnetic field is important because it determines the level of force experienced by a charged particle moving through the field. It is also important in many practical applications, such as in the design of electromagnets and in medical imaging technology.

How can the magnitude of the resulting magnetic field be measured?

The magnitude of the resulting magnetic field can be measured using a device called a magnetometer. This instrument can detect and measure the strength of magnetic fields at a specific location. Other methods include using a compass or a Hall effect sensor.

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