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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field at the center of a square formed by four currents, represented by circles with Xs indicating the direction of the magnetic field into the page. Participants are exploring why the resultant magnetic field is zero at this point.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the nature of the currents represented by the circles with Xs and discussing the implications of the right-hand rule on the direction of the magnetic fields produced by these currents. There is a focus on how the magnetic fields from each current interact with one another.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the direction of the magnetic fields and their interactions, suggesting that the fields from opposite corners cancel each other out. However, there is no explicit consensus on the reasoning behind the zero magnetic field at the center.

Contextual Notes

There is a potential ambiguity regarding the interpretation of the circles with Xs, whether they represent currents or flux lines, which may affect the understanding of the problem. Additionally, the right-hand rule is being referenced as a guiding principle in the discussion.

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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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?
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
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.
 

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