Where is the magnetic field zero between two antiparallel current-carrying wires

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the position along the x-axis where the magnetic field is zero between two antiparallel current-carrying wires. The wires are positioned at specific coordinates, with one carrying a current out of the page and the other into the page.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of the problem, including the placement of the wires and the direction of the currents. There are attempts to derive the position where the magnetic field cancels out, with some questioning the signs used in their equations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the equations involved, with participants revising their calculations and discussing the implications of their coordinate choices. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correctness of the equations, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the final answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to the coordinate system specified in the problem statement, which may affect the interpretation of their results.

nerdy_hottie
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Homework Statement



Consider two parallel conducting wires along the direction of the z axis as shown below. Wire 1 crosses the x-axis at x = -2.60 cm and carries a current of 2.00 A out of the xy-plane of the page. Wire 2 (right) crosses the x-axis at x = 2.60 cm and carries a current of 6.80 A into the xy plane.
At which value of x is the magnetic field zero? (Hint: Careful with sign)

Homework Equations



B=μoI/2∏a

The Attempt at a Solution


I am guessing that the field will equal zero at some point to the left of the left wire.
I have tried this:
0=μoI1/2∏(x+0.026m) + μoI2/2∏(x+0.052m)
I make one of these expressions negative because they are in opposite directions, then I bring one expression to one side and the signs on both expressions are now both positive again. Filling in my numbers, and rearranging I get 6.8x+0.1768=2x+0.104, and x=-0.0728m.
I then add the positive equivalent of this number to 0.026m and take into account the value is on the negative x-axis to get -0.0412m.

I have a feeling that I am going wrong somewhere with the sign of something.
 

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nerdy_hottie said:
Filling in my numbers, and rearranging I get 6.8x+0.1768=2x+0.104, and x=-0.0728m.

I think the equation is right, but the value for x isn't right. Also, you've used the origin of the coordinate system to be 2.6cm to the left of the first wire. (Which is fine, but at the end of the question, you will need to remember to convert this back to the coordinate system which the question uses, where x is in the middle of the two wires).
 
So what you're saying is that I've got all my concepts right, just the equations are wrong?

I think I've realized my mistake, and now I have 0=μI1/2∏(x) + μI2/2∏(x+0.052)
I then get 6.8x=2x+0.104
and x is now 0.0217, and to get the final answer I add it to 0.026m and make it negative and I get -0.0477m.
 
Actually I thought your equation was right, but now I realize it was not right. Your equation in your most recent post is right though. And I think you've got the right answer as well. It might have been easier to use the coordinate system given by the question, but you have successfully got the answer, so all's well that ends well.
 

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