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twalters84
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Homework Statement
One wire, lying on the x-axis, carries a current of 8.0 A in the positive x-direction. Another wire, lying on the y-axis, carries a current of 12 A in the positive y-direction. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at (x, y) = (8.0 cm, 12.0 cm)?
Homework Equations
B = (uI) / (2*PI*r)
u = 4*PI*10^-7
The Attempt at a Solution
First, I found each magnetic field seperately.
B1 = ((4*PI*10^-7)(12)) / (2*PI*(8/100)) = 3*10^-5 T
B2 = ((4*PI*10^-7)(8)) / (2*PI*(12/100)) = 1.3*10^-5 T
This is the point I am stuck. The answer key says the answer is 1.7*10^-5 T. I see that you can get that answer by:
3*10^-5 T - 1.3*10^-5 T = 1.7*10^-5 T
However, I do not understand the reasoning behind this. Could somebody explain this to me? Thanks in advance.
Travis Walters