Understanding the Zero Magnetic Field at the Center of a Square - Explained

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In summary, the conversation is discussing the calculation of the magnetic field at the center of a square formed by four circles with Xs indicating a magnetic field direction going into the page. The question is raised as to why the magnetic field is zero, and it is explained that this is due to the canceling out of clockwise magnetic fields from each of the four corners of the square.
  • #1
Nimmy
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So I am trying to understand why the answer is zero for this problem.

Calculate the magnetic field at the center of the square.

The figure shows 4 circles with Xs (which I understand indicates, magnetic field direction is going into the page) forming into a square, if that makes any sense.

Please explain to me why the magnetic field is zero.
 
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  • #2
Are the circles with X's in the corners possibly currents all going into the page?

Or are you saying that there are 4 flux lines at each corner going into the page?
 
  • #3
LowlyPion said:
Are the circles with X's in the corners possibly currents all going into the page?

Or are you saying that there are 4 flux lines at each corner going into the page?

The circles with the Xs in the corners are currents all going into the page.
 
  • #4
Well then what is the magnetic field about a current in a wire?

What is the B-field from each of the currents? And more importantly how are they directed?
 
  • #5
LowlyPion said:
Well then what is the magnetic field about a current in a wire?

What is the B-field from each of the currents? And more importantly how are they directed?

Thanks someone explained it to me...

(x)1 (x)2

(x)3 (x)4

From RIGHT HAND RULE.
So the magnetic field on 1,2,3,4 are all clockwise. So 1 will be canceling out with 3 and 2 will be canceling out with 4. Therefore, there is no magnetic field.
 
  • #6
Nimmy said:
Thanks someone explained it to me...

(x)1 (x)2




(x)3 (x)4

From RIGHT HAND RULE.
So the magnetic field on 1,2,3,4 are all clockwise. So 1 will be canceling out with 3 and 2 will be canceling out with 4. Therefore, there is no magnetic field.

There you go. You got it.
 

1. What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region around a magnet or a current-carrying wire where the force of magnetism is present. It is created by the movement of electrically charged particles.

2. How is a magnetic field measured?

A magnetic field is measured using a device called a magnetometer. This device measures the strength and direction of the magnetism in a specific location.

3. What are the properties of a magnetic field?

A magnetic field has two main properties: strength and direction. The strength of a magnetic field is measured in units of tesla or gauss, and the direction is determined by the north and south poles.

4. How does a magnetic field affect charged particles?

A magnetic field can exert a force on charged particles, causing them to move in a circular or helical path. This is known as the Lorentz force and is the basis for many applications of magnetic fields, such as particle accelerators and MRI machines.

5. How is a magnetic field generated?

A magnetic field can be generated by moving electrically charged particles, such as electrons, or by the presence of a permanent magnet. In addition, electric currents in wires also create magnetic fields.

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