A circular loop of wire lies flat on a horizontal tabletop
PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Magnetic Effects of Electric Current · Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
Problem
A circular loop of wire lies flat on a horizontal tabletop. An electric current in the loop is clockwise when the loop is viewed from above.
A small compass is held at two different locations: (i) 2cm directly above the geometric center of the loop and (ii) 2cm directly below the center, measured along the common axis of the loop.
Respond to the following prompts, using clear verbal explanations rather than numerical calculations.
(a) State the direction of the magnetic field at location (i) and at location (ii). Express each direction relative to the tabletop ("upward," "downward," or "in the plane of the table").
(b) A second, identical loop is positioned directly beneath the first loop so that their centers coincide. The lower loop carries the same current magnitude but flows counterclockwise when viewed from above. Qualitatively compare the magnitude and direction of the net magnetic field at a point midway between the two loops to the field that existed at location (ii) before the second loop was added.
(c) Provide a concise explanation for your answers in parts (a) and (b), referring explicitly to the appropriate right-hand rule and how it applies to each loop.