Physics Magnetism - Wire Carrying Current in a Loop

In summary, the conversation discusses the theoretical question of whether a jumbled wire in a closed circuit with a continuous current would eventually become a circle due to the outward force caused by the magnetic field and current. The use of the corkscrew rule and right hand rule to find the direction of the magnetic field and force is mentioned. The question is explored further by considering the presence of opposite currents in different parts of the loop and how they may exert a repulsive force on each other. Sources for further information on the topic are also provided.
  • #1
KSNphysics
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Homework Statement


This is a theoretical question, one I'm not sure about. It just randomly popped into my head.
Say there is a jumbled wire, one in a glob shape but not overlapping. (Like a deformed circle, or maybe just a rectangle).
Assuming we are in a place called "physics utopia" where the wire is closed and a continuous current circles through it, would the said rectangle or "glob" eventually become a circle due to the outward force caused by the magnetic field and current.?
I did the corkscrew rule and right hand rule, and in a rectangle/glob, the force on all points of the wire points outward, so just wondering if a circle would eventually be formed.

Homework Equations


Corkscrew rule to find the direction of magnetic field
Right hand rule to find direction of force using known current and magnetic field (I found it was outwards basically everywhere).

The Attempt at a Solution


Stated above
 
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  • #2
So there is not an unbalanced charge on the loop - but there is a current in the loop ... you are thinking that places in the loop which carry opposite currents will exert a repulsive force on each other so they must add up to a net outward pressure?
That seems reasonable... have you had a look at how other people have answered the same question?

http://physics.stackexchange.com/qu...g-wire-of-arbitrary-shape-in-a-magnetic-field
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhysics/comments/2uto4s/does_a_rectangular_loop_of_current_exert_a/
 

1. What is the concept of magnetism in physics?

Magnetism is a physical phenomenon that describes the force of attraction or repulsion between objects due to their magnetic fields. It is caused by the movement of electric charges, such as electrons, which creates a magnetic field around the object.

2. How does a wire carrying current in a loop produce a magnetic field?

When an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a circular magnetic field around the wire. When the wire is formed into a loop, the magnetic field lines become concentrated within the loop, creating a stronger magnetic field.

3. What is the direction of the magnetic field around a wire carrying current in a loop?

The direction of the magnetic field around a wire carrying current in a loop follows the right-hand rule. If you point your right thumb in the direction of the current flow, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines.

4. How does the strength of the magnetic field vary with the current and the size of the loop?

The strength of the magnetic field produced by a wire carrying current in a loop is directly proportional to the current flowing through the wire and inversely proportional to the size of the loop. This means that increasing the current or decreasing the size of the loop will result in a stronger magnetic field.

5. What are some real-world applications of wire carrying current in a loop?

Wire carrying current in a loop is used in a variety of applications, such as electromagnets, electric motors, and generators. It is also used in MRI machines to produce strong magnetic fields for medical imaging.

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