Quick question about magnetic fields

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the current flowing through a wire that is 0.80 m long and perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field, which varies between 1.0x10^-4 T at the poles and 5.0x10^-5 T at the equator. The magnetic force acting on the wire is given as 0.12 N. Participants suggest that the problem lacks clarity regarding the specific location of the wire, which affects the choice of magnetic field strength to use in calculations. The conclusion indicates that the current can be determined by considering the range of magnetic field strengths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic force equations, specifically Fm = BIl.
  • Knowledge of magnetic field strength in Tesla (T).
  • Familiarity with the concept of current flow in conductive materials.
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism, particularly the interaction between magnetic fields and electric currents.
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the current using both magnetic field strengths at the poles and equator.
  • Explore the implications of varying magnetic field strengths on current calculations.
  • Research the concept of magnetic dip angle and its relevance in electromagnetic problems.
  • Investigate real-world applications of magnetic fields in electrical engineering.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to magnetic forces and current flow in wires.

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Homework Statement


The force on a wire .80 m long that is perpendicular to the Earth's magnetic field is .12 N. What current flows through the wire? (Earth's magnetic field is 1.0x10^-4 T at the poles and 5.0x10^-5 T at the equator)

Homework Equations


Fm=BIl
Fm is magnetic force in N, B is magnetic field strength in telsa (T), and l is length in meters.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to use for B. Do I use the strength at the poles? at the equator? Some combination of the two?

Thanks.
 
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This certainly is a mysterious problem statement: doesn't it say anything about where on Earth the wire is? Maybe you're supposed to find the range of possible values for the current within the range of values for the local magnetic field strength. Since we're told that the wire is perpendicular to the local field, the "magnetic dip angle" (angle the field makes to the local horizontal) doesn't matter. It seems like there's something left out of the problem...
 

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