What is the mistake in calculating the magnetic field in this problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field using the Biot-Savart law, specifically addressing a confusion regarding the application of the formula and the interpretation of vector components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the correct application of the Biot-Savart law, questioning the placement of the angle and the representation of vectors. There is an attempt to clarify the use of unit vectors and the significance of the angle between vectors in the calculation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into potential mistakes in the equation and the interpretation of vector components. There is acknowledgment of misunderstandings regarding the formula, and a correction regarding the placement of the decimal point in the denominator has been noted.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. The original poster expresses confusion about specific aspects of the calculation, indicating a need for clarification on vector relationships.

Physicslearner500039
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Homework Statement
A 6.00 uC point charge is moving at a constant 8 * 10^6 m/s in the +y-direction relative to a reference frame. At the instant when the point charge is at the origin of this reference frame, what is the magnetic-field vector it produces at the following points x = 0, y = -0.500 m, z = +0.500 m?
Relevant Equations
B = μo/4##\pi \frac {q \vec v \times \vec r} {r^2} ##
The problem is simple, but have one confusion, if i substitute the values given, I get

##
B = \frac {10^{-7}(6*10^{-6})[(8*10^6 \vec j) \times (-0.5\vec j + 0.5 \vec k)]} {r^2} ##
## B = 48\mu T\vec i##
First thing the answer does not match. I don't see the angle in calculations between ##\vec v , \vec r## which i assume is ##135 Deg##. What is the mistake? Please advise.
 
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Physicslearner500039 said:
Relevant Equations:: B = μo/4##\pi \frac {q \vec v \times \vec r} {r^2} ##
There is a mistake in this equation. Check to see if you have the correct the power of ##r## in the denominator, or if the vector ##\vec r## in the numerator should be a unit vector.

I don't see the angle in calculations between ##\vec v , \vec r## which i assume is ##135 Deg##.

Since you are working with unit vector representation of the vectors, you don't need to know the angle between ##\vec v## and ##\vec r##.
 
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Ok understood. Thank you, yes the formula i wrongly understood. The answer is
##B = \frac {10^{-7} * 6 * 8\vec j * (-\frac {1} {\sqrt2} \vec j + \frac {1} {\sqrt2} \vec k)} {0.05} ##
## B = 6.78\mu T \vec i##
 
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Looks good except for the placement of the decimal point in the denominator. I believe your final answer is correct.
 
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