AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

4 Magnetism
3. Magnetic Field due to Wire

Eyad Omair
 Objectives

FIE-5.A
a. Calculate the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field produced at a point near a long, straight,
current carrying wire.
b. Apply the right-hand rule for magnetic field of a straight wire (or correctly use the Biot–Savart Law
found in CNV-8.A.1) to deduce the direction of a magnetic field near a long, straight, current carrying
wire.

FIE-5.B
Describe the direction of a magnetic-field vector at various points near multiple long, straight, current
carrying wires.

FIE-5.C
a. Calculate the force of attraction or repulsion between two long, straight, current-carrying wires.
b. Describe the consequence (attract or repel) when two long, straight, current-carrying wires have
known current directions.
 Oersted's Experiment

Oersted’s Experiment:

A compass was put parallel to the wire in open circuit.

After turned on the current, the compass moved so it was diagonal to the wire.

When turned off the current, the compass returned to its original position. open switch

As the current is reversed, the compass reversed its direction.

Note: the compass is only affected by a magnetic field.

Oersted “when a current passes through a wire,

produces a magnetic field around the wire.”
reversed current closed switch
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

Magnetic field due to a wire always takes the form of concentric circles
arranged at right angles to the wire.
The magnetic field magnitude is greatest in the area closest to the wire, and
its direction depends upon the direction of the current that produces the field.

𝜇𝑜 𝐼 𝐼: current in wire (A)

magnetic field
𝐵= 𝑟: distance from wire (m)
2𝜋𝑟 due to a wire
𝜇𝑜 : magnetic permeability of free space (Tm/A)

Magnetic field due to a loop always takes the form of loops which are more
concentrated in the center of the loop than outside the loop. Also, the field is
perpendicular to the plane of the loop.
𝐼: current in loop (A)
𝜇𝑜 𝐼 magnetic field
𝐵= 𝑟: radius of loop (m)
2𝑟 due to a loop 𝜇𝑜 : magnetic permeability of free space (Tm/A)
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

The magnitude of magnetic fields of symmetric current-carrying conductors (e.g., circular loops, long,
straight conductors, or segments of loops) are listed below:

𝜇𝑜 𝐼
Long straight wire 𝐵 = 𝜙: angle of curved wire (rad) These relationships will be
2𝜋𝑟
𝑁: number of turns of coil derived by Biot-Savart law
𝜇𝑜 = 4𝜋 × 10−7 Tm/A and Ampere’s law.
𝜇𝑜 𝐼
Segment of loop 𝐵= 𝜙
4𝜋𝑟 If magnetic field spreads in In AP exam, you need to
free space (vacuum) or air derive these relationships
𝜇𝑜 𝐼 𝜇𝑜 = 4𝜋 × 10−7 Tm/A when you answer FRQ.
Single loop 𝐵=
2𝑟
If magnetic field spreads in Hall Probe is a device
𝜇𝑜 𝐼
Multiple loops 𝐵=𝑁 any other material used to measure the
2𝑟 𝜇 > 4𝜋 × 10−7 Tm/A magnetic field at a point.
 Curled Right-Hand Rule

The direction of magnetic field from a current wire can be determined by straight
curled right hand rule. vector
rotating
Thumb: straight line vector (𝐼𝐿) or (𝐵) vector
Fingers: rotating vector (𝐵) or (𝐼𝐿)

Straight wire straight Loop straight

current field

rotating rotating
field current
Magnetic Field due to a Wire

-x

+Y
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

21. Two very long parallel wires carry equal currents in the same direction into the page, as shown
below. At point P, which is 10 cm from each wire, the magnetic field is:
(A) zero
(B) directed into the page
(C) directed out of the page
(D) directed to the left
(E) directed to the right

Using curled RHR for each wire:

The left wire makes a field pointing
southeast at point P.
The right wire makes a field pointing
northeast at point P.
The direction of the resultant field
should be between these two directions.
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

Ex: A current flow in a straight wire to the right, as shown in

the figure. Rank the points depending on experience of
magnetic field from stronger to weaker.

Magnetic field due to wire is inversely proportional to

distance away from the wire.

D: strongest magnetic field into page.

B: less strength magnetic field out of page.
C: weak magnetic field out of page. 𝜇𝑜 𝐼 1
E: no magnetic field. it will be approved 𝐵= 𝐵∝
2𝜋𝑟 𝑟
A: no magnetic field. by Biot-Savart law

Any point on the axis of wire carrying current does not experience a magnetic field due to the wire.
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

Ex: Magnetic field from two wires

In the figure beside, what is the magnitude and the direction of the magnetic
field at point A and point B if each wire is caring a current 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 = 4 A.

Point A 𝐵𝐴 = 𝐵1𝐴 + 𝐵2𝐴

𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(4) = −4 × 10−6 + 4 × 10−6 = 0
𝐵1𝐴 = =
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋(0.2)
Point B
= 4 × 10−6 T (into page)
𝐵1𝐵 = 4 × 10−6 T (into page)
𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(4)
𝐵2𝐴 = = 𝐵2𝐵 = 4 × 10−6 T (into page)
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋(0.2)

= 4 × 10−6 T (out of page) 𝐵𝐵 = 𝐵1𝐵 + 𝐵2𝐵 = 8 × 10−6 T (into page)

 AP 1983
(b) Two long parallel wires that are a distance 2a apart carry equal currents I into the plane of the page as
shown below. Determine the resultant magnetic field intensity at the point O midway between the wires.
𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵=
2𝜋𝑟
𝜇0 𝐼 𝐵right
𝐵right = (upward)
2𝜋𝑎 equal currents and
equal distances
𝜇0 𝐼 𝐵right = 𝐵left
𝐵left = (downward)
2𝜋𝑎

𝐵tot = 𝐵right + 𝐵left = 0

𝐵left
 AP 1983
(c) Develop an expression for the resultant magnetic field intensity at the point N. which is a vertical distance of
y above point O. On the diagram below indicate the direction of the resultant magnetic field at point N.

Appy RHR, the resultant fields from each wire are directed as shown in the figure.
Since the distance to each wire is the same, and the current passes through each 𝐵right
wire is the same, the resultant magnetic field will be twice the x-component of
one of the wire’s magnetic fields. 𝜃 𝐵tot
field has two components:
𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼 sin: cancel out (symmetry) 𝜃
𝐵right = cos 𝜃 𝐵left = cos 𝜃 cos: remains
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋𝑟 𝜃 𝜃
𝐵left
𝜇0 𝐼 𝑟 𝑟
𝐵tot = 𝐵right + 𝐵left =2× cos 𝜃
2𝜋𝑟
𝑟= 𝑎2 + 𝑦 2
𝜇0 𝐼 𝑦 𝜇0 𝐼𝑦
𝐵tot = = 𝑦 𝑦
𝜋 𝑎2 + 𝑦2 𝑎2 + 𝑦2 𝜋(𝑎2 + 𝑦 2 ) cos 𝜃 = =
𝑟 𝑎2 + 𝑦 2
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

Ex: Four wires are each carrying a current of magnitude 𝐼 = 1.00 A. The wires are located at the four
corners of a square with side 𝑎 = 3.70 cm. Two of the wires are carrying current into the page, and
the other two are carrying current out of the page. What is the y-component of the magnetic field at
the center of the square?
𝜇0 𝐼 𝑎
𝐵= 𝑟= (𝑎/2)2 +(𝑎/2)2 =
2𝜋𝑟 2

𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵1 = 𝐵2 =
2𝜋(𝑎/ 2) 2𝜋(𝑎/ 2)

𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵3 = 𝐵4 =
2𝜋(𝑎/ 2) 2𝜋(𝑎/ 2) x-component of the magnetic
field at the center is zero
 Magnetic Field due to a Wire

Ex: Four wires are each carrying a current of magnitude 𝐼 = 1.00 A. The wires are located at the four
corners of a square with side 𝑎 = 3.70 cm. Two of the wires are carrying current into the page, and
the other two are carrying current out of the page. What is the y-component of the magnetic field at
the center of the square?
The y-component of 𝜇0 𝐼 2
each magnetic field: 𝐵𝑦 =
2𝜋(𝑎/ 2) 2
𝐵𝑦 = 𝐵 sin 𝜃 𝜃
𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵𝑦 =
𝜇0 𝐼 2𝜋𝑎
𝐵=
2𝜋(𝑎/ 2) 𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵𝑦,tot = (4)
2𝜋𝑎
𝑎/2 2 𝐵tot = 0iƸ + 2.16 × 10−5 Jመ
sin 𝜃 = = 4(4𝜋 × 10−7 )(1)
𝑎/ 2 2 −5 T
= = 2.16 × 10
2𝜋(3.7 × 10−2 )
 Magnetic Field due to a Loop

Ex: The wire in the figure carries a current 𝐼 and contains a circular arc of radius 𝑅 and angle 𝜋/2 and
two straight sections that are mutually perpendicular and, if extended, would intersect the center, C,
of the arc. What is the magnetic field at point C due to the wire?
𝜇0 𝐼
𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼 𝐵=𝑁
(A) 𝐵 = (B) 𝐵 = (C) 𝐵 = 2𝑟
2𝑅 4𝑅 6𝑅
1 𝜇0 𝐼
𝜇0 𝐼 𝜇0 𝐼 𝐵=
(D) 𝐵 = (E) 𝐵 = 4 2𝑟
8𝑅 12𝑅
𝜇0 𝐼
𝜇𝑜 𝐼 𝜇𝑜 𝐼 𝜋 𝜇𝑜 𝐼 𝐵=
8𝑟
Circular arc 𝐵= 𝜙 = =
4𝜋𝑟 4𝜋𝑅 2 8𝑅
Straight sections don’t produce magnetic field, because distance vector is parallel to length (current).
 Magnetic Field due to a Loop

Ex: A current path shaped as shown in figure beside produces a magnetic

field at P, the center of the arc. If the arc subtends an angle of θ = 30.00
and the radius of the arc is 0.600 m, what are the magnitude and direction
of the field produced at P if the current is 3.00 A?
Straight segments do not contribute to magnetic filed, because
distance vector is parallel to length (current).
Arc’s contribution: 𝜇𝑜 𝐼 Direction: apply curled right-
𝐵= 𝜙 hand rule, the magnetic field
𝜋 4𝜋𝑎
𝜙𝑅 = 𝜙𝐷 × is directed into page at point
180 P.
4𝜋 × 10−7 (3) 𝜋
𝐵=
𝜋 𝜋 4𝜋(0.6) 6
𝜙 = 30 × =
180 6
𝐵 = 2.62 × 10−7 T
 Magnetic Field due to a Loop

Ex: A loop with radius 𝑟 = 8.30 mm is formed in the middle of a long,

straight insulated wire carrying a current of magnitude 𝐼 = 26.5 mA.
What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the loop?

𝐵tot = 𝐵wire + 𝐵loop

𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(26.5 × 10−3 ) −7 T (out of page)

𝐵wire = = = 6.38 × 10
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋(8.3 × 10−3 )

𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(26.5 × 10−3 ) −7

𝐵loop = = = 20.1 × 10 T (out of page)
2𝑟 2(8.3 × 10−3 )

𝐵tot = 6.38 × 10−7 + 20.1 × 10−7 = 26.5 × 10−7 T (out of page)

 Magnetic Field due to a Loop

Ex: What is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of

each loop in terms of 𝜇0 , 𝐼, 𝑟?
Loop 1 and 2 𝜇𝑜 𝐼
𝐵=𝑁
1 𝜇0 (𝐼/2) 2𝑟
𝐵up = (into page)
2 2𝑟 for each there
are half loop(s)
1 𝜇0 (𝐼/2)
𝐵dwon = (out of page)
2 2𝑟
Straight wires
𝐵tot = 𝐵up + 𝐵dwon = 0 don’t produce
magnetic field
Loop 3 at the center.

1 𝜇0 (𝐼) 1 𝜇0 𝐼
𝐵up = = (into page)
2 2𝑟 4 𝑟
 Magnetic Field due to a Loop

Ex: The loop shown in the figure is carrying a current of 𝐼 = 3.00 A,

and the distance 𝑟 = 3.14 m. What is the magnitude of the magnetic
field at point P inside the loop?
1 𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(3)
𝐵1 = = = 1.50 × 10−7 T (into page)
4 2𝑟1 4 × 2 × (3.14)

1 𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(3)

𝐵2 = = = 0.750 × 10−7 T (into page)
4 2𝑟2 4 × 2 × 2(3.14) 𝜇𝑜 𝐼
𝐵=𝑁
2𝑟
1 𝜇0 𝐼 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(3) Straight wires
𝐵3 = = = 1.00 × 10−7 T (into page) don’t produce
2 2𝑟3 2 × 2 × 3(3.14)
magnetic field
at the center.
𝐵tot = 𝐵1 + 𝐵2 + 𝐵3 = 1.5 + 0.75 + 1 × 10−7 = 3.25 × 10−7 T (into page)
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

Consider a wire 1 carrying a current I1, The current 𝜇0 𝐼1

in the wire produces a magnetic field around it. 𝐵1 =
2𝜋𝑑

Now consider a wire 2 carrying a current I2 in the same direction

as I1 and placed parallel to wire 1 at a distance d from it.

The magnetic field due to wire 1 exerts a magnetic force on the

moving charges in the current flowing in wire 2.
𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
𝐹12 = 𝐼2 𝐿𝐵1 sin 𝜃 𝐹12 = force from wire 1 on 2
2𝜋𝑑
An analogous calculation shows that the force from wire 2 on two current-carrying conductors
wire 1 has the same magnitude and opposite direction (action exert magnetic forces on each
and reaction). other.
𝐹21 = −𝐹12 (Newton’s third law)
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

The two opposite forces attracts the wires toward each other.

force from wire 1 on wire 2 force from wire 2 on wire 1

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝜇0 𝐼2
𝐹12 = 𝐼2 𝐿𝐵1 𝐵1 = 𝐹21 = 𝐼1 𝐿𝐵2 𝐵2 =
2𝜋𝑑 2𝜋𝑑

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿 𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
𝐹12 = left 𝐹21 = right
2𝜋𝑑 2𝜋𝑑

When the currents are in opposite directions (when one of the currents is
reversed), the forces are reversed, and the wires repel each other.

force from wire 1 on wire 2 force from wire 2 on wire 1

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿 𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
𝐹12 = right 𝐹21 = left
2𝜋𝑑 2𝜋𝑑
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

Magnitude of the magnetic force between two parallel wires:

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿 magnetic force between L: common length (m)

𝐹𝐵 = two parallel wires d: separation distance (m)
2𝜋𝑑

Direction of the magnetic force between two parallel wires:

When currents are in the same direction, they attract each other.
When currents are in opposite directions, they repel each other.

For long infinite wire, it is more convenient to calculate the force

per unit length.

𝐹𝐵 𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2
𝑓= = 𝑓: force per unit length (N/m)
𝐿 2𝜋𝑑
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

33. Two parallel wires, each carrying a current I, 18. Two long, parallel wires, fixed in space, carry
repel each other with a force F. If both currents currents 𝐼1 and 𝐼2 . The force of attraction has
are doubled, the force of repulsion is: magnitude 𝐹. What currents will give an
attractive force of magnitude 4𝐹?
(A) 2𝐹 𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
(B) 2 2𝐹 𝐹= 1 𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
2𝜋𝑑 (A) 2𝐼1 and 𝐼2 𝐹=
(C) 4𝐹 2
2𝜋𝑑
(D) 4 2𝐹 1
𝜇0 (2𝐼1 )(2𝐼2 )𝐿 (B) 𝐼1 and 𝐼
(E) 8𝐹 ′
𝐹 = 4 2 𝐹′ = 4 𝐹
2𝜋𝑑
1 1 the new currents
(C) 𝐼 and 𝐼
𝐹′ = 4 𝐹 2 1 2 2
multiplication is 4
(D) 2𝐼1 and 2𝐼2

(E) 4𝐼1 and 4𝐼2

 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

Ex: Force on a loop

A long, straight wire is carrying a current of magnitude 𝐼1 = 5.00 A toward the right. A square loop
with sides of length 𝑎 = 0.250 m is placed with its sides parallel and perpendicular to the wire at a
distance 𝑑 = 0.10 m from the wire. The square loop carries a current of magnitude 𝐼2 = 2.20 A in the
counterclockwise direction. What is the net magnetic force on the square loop?
The magnetic field from the current in the wire into the page.

right side of the loop experiences magnetic force to the left.

left side of the loop experiences magnetic force to the right.

The two forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction,

so they cancel each other.
𝐹 = 𝐼𝐿𝐵
For wire and loop examples, the loop’s segments perpendicular 𝑥
𝐹net =0
to wire experience equal and opposite magnetic forces
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

Ex: Force on a loop

A long, straight wire is carrying a current of magnitude 𝐼1 = 5.00 A toward the right. A square loop
with sides of length 𝑎 = 0.250 m is placed with its sides parallel and perpendicular to the wire at a
distance 𝑑 = 0.10 m from the wire. The square loop carries a current of magnitude 𝐼2 = 2.20 A in the
counterclockwise direction. What is the net magnetic force on the square loop?

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝑎 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(5)(2.2)(0.25)

𝐹top = = = 55 × 10−7 N
2𝜋𝑑 2𝜋(0.1)
opposite currents (downward)

𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝑎 (4𝜋 × 10−7 )(5)(2.2)(0.25)

𝐹bottom = = = 15.7 × 10−7 N
2𝜋(𝑑 + 𝑎) 2𝜋(0.1 + 0.25)
(upward)
same direction currents
𝐹 = 𝐼𝐿𝐵
𝑦
𝐹net = 𝐹top + 𝐹bottom = −55 × 10−7 + 15.7 × 10−7 = −39.3 × 10−7 N (downward)
 Magnetic Force between Two Parallel Wires

30. A rigid, rectangular wire loop ABCD carrying current 𝐼1 lies in the plane of the page above a very
long wire carrying current 𝐼2 as shown below. The net force on the loop is:

(A) toward the wire 𝐹1

(B) away from the wire
(C) toward the left 𝐹3 𝐹4
(D) toward the right
(E) zero
𝐹2
𝜇0 𝐼1 𝐼2 𝐿
𝐹=
2𝜋𝑑
𝐹1 < 𝐹2 The magnitude of field decreases with distance.

𝐹3 = −𝐹4 Same distance They cancel each other