Math Problem Statement
Two long, straight parallel wires are laid on the ground and aligned in the East-west direction. The current in the northern wire is 8.00 A and is heading to the east. The current in the southern wire is 5.00 A and is heading west. They are separated by 0.0410 m. What is the magnitude of the magnetic field 0.0130 m north of the northern most wire?
T
Solution
To solve this problem, we need to calculate the magnetic field at a specific point due to two long, straight parallel wires carrying currents.
Step 1: Formula for Magnetic Field Due to a Long Straight Current-Carrying Wire
The magnetic field due to a long, straight current-carrying wire at a distance from the wire is given by Ampère's Law:
Where:
- is the magnetic field.
- is the permeability of free space, .
- is the current in the wire.
- is the distance from the wire to the point where the field is being calculated.
Step 2: Analyzing the Setup
- The northern wire has a current of heading to the east (positive -direction).
- The southern wire has a current of heading west (negative -direction).
- The two wires are separated by a distance .
- The point where the magnetic field is to be calculated is north of the northern wire. This point is a distance from the northern wire and from the southern wire.
Step 3: Calculate the Magnetic Field Due to Each Wire
Magnetic Field from the Northern Wire (At a distance )
The magnetic field from the northern wire is directed into the page at the point of interest (since the current is heading to the east).
Magnetic Field from the Southern Wire (At a distance )
The magnetic field from the southern wire is directed out of the page at the point of interest (since the current is heading west).
Step 4: Determine the Net Magnetic Field
The net magnetic field is the vector sum of the fields from the two wires. Since the fields from the two wires are in opposite directions (into the page and out of the page), we subtract them to find the net field.
Final Answer:
The magnitude of the net magnetic field 0.0130 m north of the northernmost wire is .
Would you like a more detailed explanation of the steps or any further clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions to explore further:
- How does the direction of current affect the magnetic field produced by a wire?
- What happens to the magnetic field if the wires are closer or farther apart?
- How can we calculate the magnetic field due to multiple current-carrying wires?
- How does the magnitude of the current influence the strength of the magnetic field?
- How would the magnetic field change if the currents in both wires were reversed?
Tip: Remember that when calculating the magnetic field due to multiple sources, the direction of each magnetic field is crucial. Use the right-hand rule to determine the direction of the field.
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Magnetic Fields
Ampère's Law
Vector Addition
Formulas
B = (μ₀ I) / (2 π r)
B_net = B_1 - B_2
Theorems
Ampère's Law
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12
Related Recommendation
Find the Net Magnetic Field at Point A for Two Parallel Wires
Magnetic Field of Two Opposing Parallel Currents
Magnetic Field Calculation from a Vertical Current-Carrying Wire
Calculate Current for a Magnetic Field of 5.7 mT Around an Infinite Wire
Magnetic Field Cancellation and Calculation for Two Current-Carrying Wires