Chapter 22: Problem 20
A wire carries a current of \(4.2 \mathrm{~A}\). At what distance from the wire does the magnetic field have a magnitude of \(1.3 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~T}\) ?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The distance from the wire is approximately 0.0646 meters.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Formula
The magnetic field around a long straight current-carrying wire is given by the formula for the magnetic field, \( B \), which is \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} \), where \( B \) is the magnetic field, \( I \) is the current, \( \mu_0 \) is the permeability of free space (\( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~T} \cdot \mathrm{m/A} \)), and \( r \) is the distance from the wire.
02
Rearrange the Formula to Solve for r
The goal is to find out \( r \), the distance from the wire, where the magnetic field has a magnitude of \( 1.3 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~T} \). Rearranging the formula for \( r \) gives \( r = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi B} \).
03
Substitute Known Values
Substitute the known values into the formula: \( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \mathrm{~T}\cdot\mathrm{m/A} \), \( I = 4.2 \mathrm{~A} \), and \( B = 1.3 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~T} \). Substitute these into the equation: \( r = \frac{4\pi \times 10^{-7} \cdot 4.2}{2\pi \cdot 1.3 \times 10^{-5}} \).
04
Simplify and Calculate
Inserting the values into the equation and simplifying, we have:\[ r = \frac{1.68 \times 10^{-6}}{2.6 \times 10^{-5}} \]Calculate \( r \) using the numbers:\[ r \approx 0.0646 \mathrm{~m} \]Thus, the distance is approximately 0.0646 meters.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Magnetic Field Formula
When a wire carries an electric current, it creates a magnetic field around it. This magnetic field is crucial in many applications, from powering our homes to driving electric motors. To calculate the magnetic field generated by a straight, current-carrying wire, we use the formula:
Understanding this fundamental equation helps us predict how magnetic fields behave around current-carrying wires.
- \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} \)
- \( B \) represents the magnetic field in teslas (T).
- \( I \) is the current flowing through the wire in amperes (A).
- \( r \) is the distance from the wire where the magnetic field is being measured (in meters).
- \( \mu_0 \), the permeability of free space, is a constant value.
Understanding this fundamental equation helps us predict how magnetic fields behave around current-carrying wires.
Permeability of Free Space
The permeability of free space, denoted as \( \mu_0 \), is a crucial constant in electromagnetism. It characterizes the magnetic influence of free space and appears in many fundamental equations. For current-carrying wires, it aids in calculating the produced magnetic field.
The value of \( \mu_0 \) is specifically defined as:
For practical uses, recognizing \( \mu_0 \) helps in calculating the influence of magnetic fields produced by electric currents in real-world scenarios. Always ensure the units are consistent, so calculations are accurate.
The value of \( \mu_0 \) is specifically defined as:
- \( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \ \mathrm{T} \cdot \mathrm{m/A} \)
For practical uses, recognizing \( \mu_0 \) helps in calculating the influence of magnetic fields produced by electric currents in real-world scenarios. Always ensure the units are consistent, so calculations are accurate.
Distance Calculation from Magnetic Field
Calculating the distance from a wire where a specific magnetic field strength is detected involves rearranging the magnetic field formula for distance. This process helps in applications where knowing the precise position relative to a magnetic field source is vital.
From the formula \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} \), solving for the distance \( r \) involves:
This practical insight is beneficial for placing sensors, designing circuits, or troubleshooting electromagnetic interference. The ability to compute \( r \) provides a deeper understanding of the spatial dimensions of magnetic fields.
From the formula \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} \), solving for the distance \( r \) involves:
- Rearranging to obtain \( r = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi B} \).
- Using \( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \ \mathrm{T} \cdot \mathrm{m/A} \)
- With a current \( I = 4.2 \ \mathrm{A} \)
- And a magnetic field \( B = 1.3 \times 10^{-5} \ \mathrm{T} \).
This practical insight is beneficial for placing sensors, designing circuits, or troubleshooting electromagnetic interference. The ability to compute \( r \) provides a deeper understanding of the spatial dimensions of magnetic fields.