Direction of the magnetic field

In summary, the conversation is about finding the magnetic field at point P caused by current-carrying wires. The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the right hand rule. The formula for finding the field is B=F/ILsinθ and the direction can be found by reading the above link.
  • #1
Cici2017

Homework Statement


Screen Shot 2017-07-22 at 10.11.37 am.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I know if the currents are going the same direction they attract. So the top 2 attract each other and the bottom two attraction each other? And then the top repel the bottom...
I'm stuck, please help~
 
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  • #2
Cici2017 said:
I know if the currents are going the same direction they attract. So the top 2 attract each other and the bottom two attraction each other?
Don't worry about the forces the wires exert on each other. You are asked to find the field at point P. What's the field from a current-carrying wire?
 
  • #3
Doc Al said:
Don't worry about the forces the wires exert on each other. You are asked to find the field at point P. What's the field from a current-carrying wire?
Magnetic field?
 
  • #4
Cici2017 said:
Magnetic field?
Yes. So how do you find the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying wire?
 
  • #5
B=F/ILsinθ
The direction is determined by right hand rule?
mmm...I don't know, what do I do next?
 
  • #6
Cici2017 said:
B=F/ILsinθ
Wrong formula. Again, you are not finding the force on a current-carrying wire, but the field surrounding it.

Read this: Magnetic Field of Current
Cici2017 said:
The direction is determined by right hand rule?
Yes! Read the above link.
 

FAQ: Direction of the magnetic field

What is the direction of the magnetic field?

The direction of the magnetic field is defined as the direction in which a north magnetic pole would be pushed by the field. This is typically represented by lines of flux that extend from the north pole to the south pole of a magnet.

How is the direction of the magnetic field determined?

The direction of the magnetic field is determined by the orientation of the magnetic field lines, which are based on the direction of the current flow. The right hand rule is often used to determine the direction of the magnetic field, with the thumb pointing in the direction of the current and the fingers curling in the direction of the magnetic field lines.

Can the direction of the magnetic field be reversed?

Yes, the direction of the magnetic field can be reversed by changing the direction of the current flow. This can be achieved by reversing the polarity of a magnet or by changing the direction of the electric current in a wire or coil.

How does the direction of the magnetic field affect the behavior of a magnet?

The direction of the magnetic field determines the north and south poles of a magnet, which in turn affects the behavior of the magnet. Like poles repel each other, while opposite poles attract. The direction of the field also determines the strength and shape of the magnetic field around the magnet.

Is the direction of the magnetic field constant?

No, the direction of the magnetic field can vary depending on the location and orientation of the magnet or current. In some cases, the direction of the magnetic field may also change over time due to external factors such as the Earth's magnetic field or electromagnetic interference.

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