Chapter 31: Problem 11
Compute the magnitude of the magnetic field in air at a point \(6.0 \mathrm{~cm}\) from a long straight wire carrying a current of \(9.0 \mathrm{~A}\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The magnetic field at the point is 6.0 μT.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Formula
The magnitude of the magnetic field around a long straight wire is given by the formula: \[ B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2 \pi r} \] where \( B \) is the magnetic field, \( \mu_0 \) is the permeability of free space \( (4\pi \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T} \, \text{m/A}) \), \( I \) is the current through the wire, and \( r \) is the distance from the wire.
02
Convert Units
Convert the distance from the wire from centimeters to meters. Given: \( r = 6.0 \text{ cm} = 0.06 \text{ m} \)
03
Plug Values into the Formula
Substitute the values of current \( I = 9.0 \, \text{A} \), distance \( r = 0.06 \, \text{m} \), and \( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T} \, \text{m/A} \) into the formula to find \( B \):\[ B = \frac{4\pi \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T} \, \text{m/A} \times 9.0 \, \text{A}}{2\pi \times 0.06 \, \text{m}} \]
04
Simplify the Expression
Cancel out \( \pi \) and simplify:\[ B = \frac{4 \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T} \, \text{m/A} \times 9.0}{0.06} \]
05
Calculate the Magnetic Field
Calculate the result:\[ B = \frac{36 \times 10^{-7}}{0.06} = 60 \times 10^{-7} \text{ T} = 6.0 \times 10^{-6} \text{ T} \]Convert to microteslas: \[ B = 6.0 \text{ } \mu\text{T} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Permeability of Free Space
The permeability of free space, symbolized as \( \mu_0 \), is a fundamental physical constant that provides the measure of the ability of a classical vacuum to allow the formation of a magnetic field. Often referred to as the "magnetic constant," it plays a crucial role in calculations involving magnetic fields created by electric currents. The standard value used is:
- \( \mu_0 = 4\pi \times 10^{-7} \, \text{T} \, \text{m/A} \)
- The strength of the magnetic field (\( B \))
- The current through the wire (\( I \))
- The distance from the wire (\( r \))
Current Through Wire
When calculating the magnetic field around a wire, the amount of electrical current passing through it is a pivotal factor. Current, denoted by \( I \), defines the quantity of charge moving past a point per unit of time, typically measured in amperes (A). For the problem in question, the current is given as:
- \( I = 9.0 \, \text{A} \)
- Use the formula \( B = \frac{\mu_0 I}{2\pi r} \)
Distance from Wire
The distance from a conducting wire, denoted by \( r \), significantly impacts the strength of the magnetic field detected. This relationship is inversely proportional, meaning as you move further from the wire, the magnetic field's intensity decreases. For this exercise:
- The given distance is \( r = 0.06 \, \text{m} \)
- We rely on the relation \( r \) to multiply or divide the outcome.
- Smaller distances from the wire reflect a stronger magnetic field influence that's easier to detect.