Wires Magnetic field question

In summary, the question is asking for the magnetic field at the top vertex of an equilateral triangle formed by two long straight wires, each carrying 2 A out of the paper. The answer can be found by using the right-hand rule to find each current's contribution to the total field and adding the vectors together. It should equal to 1.7*10^-5 T.
  • #1
meadow
19
0
Two long straight wires piece on the plane of the paper at vertices of an equilateral triangle. They each carry 2 A, out of the paper. The magnetic field at the third vertex has a magnetic of...?

The third vertex is the top of the equilateral triangle. I don't know what equation to use to figure this one out. I know that the magnetic field is eqaul to u0*I/2*pi*r...so do I figure out the magnetic field for each of the straight wires and add together?
(The answer should be 1.7*10^-5 T.)
 
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  • #2
the magnetic field is a vector so you can't just add them if it is an equalateral triangle it should be easy to find the angles thus use geometry to find the magnetic field at the 3rd vertex if you know the current they each carry then you can sub into the magnetic field equation and hopefully this should give you the answer

hope this helps
 
  • #3
Use the right-hand rule to find each current's contribution to the total field.
(the B-field encircles its source current). Always add vectors tail-to-tip first.
 

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be observed. It is created by moving electric charges, and can be visualized as lines of force that extend from a north pole to a south pole.

How do wires interact with magnetic fields?

When a wire carries an electric current, it creates a magnetic field around itself. This magnetic field can interact with other magnetic fields, causing the wire to experience a force or to induce a current in nearby wires.

How does the direction of a wire affect its interaction with a magnetic field?

The direction of a wire in relation to a magnetic field can affect the strength and direction of the interaction. If the wire is parallel to the magnetic field, there will be no force on the wire. However, if the wire is perpendicular to the magnetic field, the force will be at its maximum.

Can you change the strength of a wire's magnetic field?

Yes, the strength of a wire's magnetic field can be changed by altering the current flowing through the wire. Increasing the current will increase the strength of the magnetic field, while decreasing the current will weaken it.

What is the right-hand rule for determining the direction of a wire's magnetic field?

The right-hand rule states that if you point your right thumb in the direction of the current flow in the wire, your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field. This rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field in relation to the direction of the current in the wire.

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