Using right hand rule 1 to find direction of magnetic field

[Scholar1]

[Mentor's note: Thread moved from technical sections so no template shown]

So the calculations all make sense.

But for example to find the direction of B2= 1.33 X 10-5T

I believe you should position your right hand like this:

Because your thumb should point in the direction of the current which is upwards in this case?

Assuming my approach so far is correct I don't understand how this hand image tells me that B2 is into the page.

 

[gneill]

I assume that you're looking for the field at point P? (It's hard to tell without a proper problem statement to make clear what it is you're trying to solve). If you picture the right-hand-rule image superimposed on current 2, point P would be in the vicinity of the hand's wrist. The B field arrows are pointing into the wrist, hence into the page.

 

[Scholar1]

I assume that you're looking for the field at point P? (It's hard to tell without a proper problem statement to make clear what it is you're trying to solve). If you picture the right-hand-rule image superimposed on current 2, point P would be in the vicinity of the hand's wrist. The B field arrows are pointing into the wrist, hence into the page.

Yes I am trying to find the field at point P. I think I understand now. If you don't mind can you also explain how I could find field B1 at point P?

 

[gneill]

You've already done the calculation for the magnitude of the field. The direction is given by the right hand rule. Imagine wrapping your hand around the current as in the figure, with your thumb pointing in the direction of the current (so downwards in the case of current 1). Your fingers curl in the direction of the field (picture your finger nails as arrow heads).