Question about magnetic field of a current

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field at two points due to a current-carrying hairpin wire. For point A, located at the center of the semicircle, the contributions from the semicircle and the two parallel wires must be combined. The semicircle contributes a magnetic field of \(\frac{\mu_{0}i}{4d}\), while each wire contributes half of the expected magnetic field due to their finite lengths, resulting in \(\frac{1}{2}\vec{B}_{wire}=\frac{\mu_{0}i}{4d\pi}\). At point B, far from point A, the total contribution from the wires is considered, leading to a different evaluation of the magnetic field. Understanding the application of Ampère's law clarifies the contributions from the finite wires compared to an infinite wire scenario.
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Homework Statement



a long hairpin is formed by bending a piece of wire. if the wire carries a current i = 1.15 A.

the figure looks like this:

\subset

point a is at the center of the semicircle part (so that there is a radius r from a to the outside of teh semicircle. i flows counterclockwise. the point b is in the middle of the two parallel lines.

a) what are teh magnitude and direction of \vec{B} at point a?
b) at point b, very far from a?

Homework Equations



\vec{B}_{wire}=\frac{\mu_{0}i}{2d\pi}

where d = r in this case.

\vec{B}_{semicircle}=\frac{\mu_{0}i}{4d}

\oint{\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{s}=\mu_{0}i}

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that I have to add up the contributions of the semicircle, and the two wires to get the total magnetic field at a. However, when i looked at teh solution to part a, they say that each wire contributes \frac{1}{2}\vec{B}_{wire}=\frac{\mu_{0}i}{4d\pi}. I understand teh contribution of the semicircle. how come the total contribution the wires is not 2\vec{B}_{wire}=\frac{\mu_{0}i}{d\pi} ?? This seems to be the magnetic field contribution from both wires for part b) though. does this have to do with how they enclose the wires in an amperian loop?
 
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The "straight wire" formula is for a wire that extends for a long distance in both directions from the given point. Compare this description to the situation at point A.
 
ah i understand now. thank you
 
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