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

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The discussion focuses on finding the point where the magnetic field is zero between two antiparallel current-carrying wires. The first wire carries a current of 2.00 A out of the plane, while the second wire carries 6.80 A into the plane. Initial calculations suggested a position on the negative x-axis, but confusion arose regarding the signs in the equations. After correcting the equations, the final position for zero magnetic field was determined to be approximately -0.0477 m. The participants concluded that the correct approach led to the right answer, despite initial miscalculations.
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.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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