What Direction Does the Magnetic Field Point When Current Flows East to West?

Thread starter prat
Start date Jun 13, 2011
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Direction Field Magnetic Magnetic field

In summary, the direction of a magnetic field is the direction in which a compass needle would point if placed in the field. It is determined by the direction of the flow of electric current and can be changed by reversing the current or changing the orientation of the magnetic material. The direction of a magnetic field is different from the direction of a magnetic force, which is the direction in which a charged particle would be pushed or pulled by the field. The direction of a magnetic field can affect the motion of a charged particle by exerting a force on it, causing it to move in a circular or helical path, with the direction of the field determining the direction of the force.

Jun 13, 2011

prat

current is flowing from east to west in a wire.so the magnetic field due to point directly above the wire is

i think the point is on z axis

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Jun 13, 2011

gneill

Mentor

Use the right-hand-rule for currents.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magcur.html

FAQ: What Direction Does the Magnetic Field Point When Current Flows East to West?

What is the direction of a magnetic field?

The direction of a magnetic field is the direction in which a compass needle would point if it were placed in the field.

How is the direction of a magnetic field determined?

The direction of a magnetic field is determined by the direction of the flow of electric current. It is perpendicular to the direction of the current flow.

Can the direction of a magnetic field be changed?

Yes, the direction of a magnetic field can be changed by reversing the direction of the electric current or by changing the orientation of the magnetic material producing the field.

What is the difference between the direction of a magnetic field and the direction of a magnetic force?

The direction of a magnetic field is the direction in which a magnetic material, such as a compass needle, would align in the presence of the field. The direction of a magnetic force, on the other hand, is the direction in which a charged particle would be pushed or pulled by the magnetic field.

How does the direction of a magnetic field affect the motion of a charged particle?

The direction of a magnetic field can affect the motion of a charged particle by exerting a force on the particle, causing it to move in a circular or helical path. The direction of the magnetic field determines the direction of the force on the particle.