Solving a Rectangular Loop Wire Problem: A Tutorial

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the net force on a rectangular loop of wire influenced by a straight wire carrying a current of 2.5 Amperes. Participants emphasize the use of the magnetic field equation for a straight wire, specifically B = (μ_0/4π)*(2I/r), and the force on a current-carrying conductor, F = I*B*L*sinθ, where θ is 90 degrees. The conversation highlights the need to consider both attractive and repulsive forces between the wires, with specific distances of 3 cm and 8 cm affecting the calculations. The challenge of determining the length L of the loop, which is not provided in the diagram, is also noted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying wires
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and vector forces
  • Knowledge of the formula for force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field
  • Basic calculus for integrating forces along the loop
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the magnetic field equation B = (μ_0/4π)*(2I/r)
  • Learn how to apply Coulomb's law in the context of current-carrying conductors
  • Investigate the concept of integrating forces over a closed loop
  • Explore methods for determining unknown lengths in physics diagrams
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics courses, particularly those studying electromagnetism, and anyone seeking to understand the interactions between current-carrying conductors.

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Homework Statement



A rectangular loop of wire lies in the same plane as a straight wire, as shown http://i30.tinypic.com/347fupw.jpg". There is a current of 2.5 Amperes in both wires. Determine the magnitude and direction of the net force on the loop.

Homework Equations



Not sure. I am pretty lost. do i use the equation for the magnetic field of a straight wire = (μ_0/4pi)*(2I/r)?

The Attempt at a Solution



i am thinking find the electric field of the wire to find what the field will be on each point on the loop and from there find the force on each point on the loop. then, maybe i can use an integral to add all the forces on the loop to find the net force?

as you can tell, I am very lost, and a little behind in class. If you don't want to answer the problem (with explanation), maybe you could point me in the right direction. any help is appreciated.

thanks
 
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In order to obtain both the magnitude and direction of the force on a charge, q1 at position , experiencing a field due to the presence of another charge, q2 at position 'r2, the full vector form of Coulomb's law is required.

The presence of a loop requires the formula above. Good luck and your welcome.
 
Force on a current carrying conductor in a magnetic field is given by
F = I*BXL or F = I*B*L*sinθ. Ιn this problem θ =90 degrees.
 
thanks guys, but so to find the net force on the loop, do i need to find both magnetic forces and electric forces and combine them? i can see now how to find the magnetic force, but from the information given, I am not sure there is an electric force?
 
There is no electric force between the current carrying conductors.
 
o ok...so this is what i have: there are going to be two forces, one for the parallel wires 3cm apart (attracting), and the one for the parallel wires 8 cm apart (repulsing). the first force is equal to I*L*sin90*B = [2.5 amps]*[sin90]*[10^-7(telsa*m^2)/amp*m]*[2(2.5amps)/.03m]*L. I would do the same for the parallel wires farther apart, except use the distance .08m.
The thing is I am not sure how to get the measurement for L, since it is not on the diagram and the diagram is not set to scale.
 

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