Magnetic Field Due To Current In A Straight Wire



The exploration of electromagnetism reveals that the movement of electric charges is a fundamental cause of magnetism. This principle is crucial for understanding how electric currents, which constitute flows of charge, generate magnetic fields. The nature of these magnetic fields is inherently linked to the configuration of the conductor through which the current flows.

When an electric current traverses a straight wire, it induces a magnetic field whose lines of force are concentric circles centered around the wire. This configuration illustrates the intimate relationship between electricity and magnetism, highlighting how electrical currents can create magnetic environments.

The Right-Hand Rule: Determining the Direction of Magnetic Fields

magnetic field wire

A pivotal tool in the study of electromagnetism is the Right-Hand Rule, which provides a straightforward method for identifying the direction of the magnetic field surrounding a current-carrying conductor. This rule states:

  1. Positioning the Hand: Extend your right hand, and grasp the wire such that your thumb points in the direction of the conventional current (from positive to negative).
  2. Determining the Field Direction: With your hand in this position, your fingers naturally curl around the wire. The direction in which your fingers wrap around the wire corresponds to the direction of the magnetic field lines generated by the current.

Characteristics of the Magnetic Field

The strength of the magnetic field generated by a current is not uniform; it varies with distance from the wire:

  • Near the Wire: The magnetic field is most intense close to the carrying conductor. Here, the field lines are densely packed, indicating a stronger magnetic effect.
  • Away from the Wire: As one moves further from the wire, the magnetic field’s intensity diminishes. This decrease in strength is visually represented by the spacing between the concentric circles of the magnetic field, which become farther apart with increased distance from the wire.

Furthermore, the magnitude of the electric current influences the magnetic field’s strength. A larger current will produce a more robust magnetic field, accentuating the dynamic relationship between electrical and magnetic phenomena. This relationship underscores the foundational principles of electromagnetism, providing a framework for understanding the complex interactions between electric currents and the magnetic fields they induce.

field pattern of straight wire 2

Worked Examples

Example 1: Calculating Magnetic Field Orientation

A student sets up an experiment with a straight wire carrying a current of 5 A. The current flows from the west to the east. Using the Right-Hand Rule, determine the direction of the magnetic field on the north side of the wire.

Click here to show/hide answer

To apply the Right-Hand Rule, extend your right hand so that your thumb points in the direction of the conventional current, which is from west to east in this case. When you wrap your fingers around the wire, they curl in the direction of the magnetic field.

On the north side of the wire, your fingers will point towards you, indicating that the magnetic field is directed out of the page or screen. Therefore, the magnetic field on the north side of the wire is directed outwards, towards the observer.

Example 2: Understanding Magnetic Field Strength

Imagine two wires, Wire A and Wire B, running parallel to each other. Wire A carries a current of 10 A, and Wire B carries a current of 2 A. Both currents flow in the same direction. Without calculating specific values, compare the magnetic field strength generated by each wire at a point 5 cm away from each wire and explain the reasoning.

Click here to show/hide answer

The strength of the magnetic field generated by a current-carrying wire decreases with distance from the wire but is also directly proportional to the magnitude of the current flowing through the wire. Therefore, at the same distance $5 \text{ cm}$ from each wire, Wire A, which carries a larger current $10 \text{ A}$, produces a stronger magnetic field than Wire B, which carries a smaller current $2 \text{ A}$. This illustrates the principle that a larger current results in a more robust magnetic field at any given point away from the wire, provided the distance is the same.

Example 3: Magnetic Field Lines in a Coil

A coil consists of 5 turns of wire, with an electric current of 3 A flowing through it. The coil is laid flat on a table, and the current flows in a clockwise direction when viewed from above. Using the Right-Hand Rule, determine the direction of the magnetic field through the center of the coil.

Click here to show/hide answer

To apply the Right-Hand Rule to a coil, you can follow the direction of the current in the turns of the wire. For a coil with the current flowing in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, place your right hand above the coil with your fingers following the direction of the current (clockwise).

Since your fingers curl in the direction of the current flow, your thumb, when pointed straight down towards the center of the coil, indicates the direction of the magnetic field through the coil. Therefore, the magnetic field through the center of the coil is directed downwards, perpendicular to the plane of the coil lying on the table.


Back To Magnetism & Electromagnetism (O Level Physics)

Back To O Level Physics Topic List



Mini Physics

As the Administrator of Mini Physics, I possess a BSc. (Hons) in Physics. I am committed to ensuring the accuracy and quality of the content on this site. If you encounter any inaccuracies or have suggestions for enhancements, I encourage you to contact us. Your support and feedback are invaluable to us. If you appreciate the resources available on this site, kindly consider recommending Mini Physics to your friends. Together, we can foster a community passionate about Physics and continuous learning.



Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.