The net magnetic field at the center

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the net magnetic field at the center of a configuration involving current-carrying wires. Participants are exploring the application of the right-hand rule and the resultant magnetic field directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the right-hand rule but is uncertain about the non-zero result for the magnetic field. Some participants question the clarity of the cases being considered and suggest revisiting the diagram to clarify the magnetic field lines.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in drawing and redrawing the magnetic field lines to better understand the configuration. There is a collaborative effort to clarify the setup, with suggestions to extend and adjust the diagrams to visualize the magnetic fields more accurately.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the interpretation of the magnetic field directions and the specific cases being analyzed. The original poster expresses difficulty with the third case, indicating a potential mix-up in understanding the problem setup.

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Homework Statement
Four, long, parallel power lines each carry 100-A currents. A cross-sectional diagram of these lines is a square, 20.0 cm on each side. For each of the three cases shown in , calculate the magnetic field at the center of the square.
Relevant Equations
##B = \frac {\mu_0 I} {2a}##
The current direction is as follows
1601316385651.png

I think so much and do the right hand rule i get 0 at the center, but not sure why the answer is non zero. I have shown the directions of the magnetic fields, i have not shown the magnitudes of equal length but they all are equal. Why the answer is non zero, what mistake i am doing?

1601316443107.png
 
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I see only one case ? Mixup of answers ?
 
BvU said:
I see only one case ? Mixup of answers ?
The first two I could solve, this is the 3rd one which I am struggling to get answer.
 
May I suggest drawing the arrows again?
 
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Gordianus said:
May I suggest drawing the arrows again?
I end up getting below the same,

1601320343395.png
 
No, try again.
 
Gordianus said:
No, try again.
Ok, chances are there of a below diagram
1601321196983.png

But a very tough one to know where it will be left. Am i correct here?
 
Try drawing the B-lines of each wire
 
Gordianus said:
Try drawing the B-lines of each wire
The B lines are like this
1601322227148.png

Everything seems to be left.
 
  • #10
Good! Now extend the lines to the center and draw the arrows again.
 
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  • #11
1601324249923.png

Surely the tougher than i expected. Hope it is correct.
 
  • #12
Victory!
 
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  • #13
Thank you very much for support.
 

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