Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 29 - Magnetic Fields Due to Currents - Problems - Page 857: 11b

Answer

The current in wire 2 is out of the page.

Work Step by Step

We can write the general expression for the magnetic field produced by a current in a straight wire: $B = \frac{\mu_0~i}{2~\pi~R}$ If the net magnetic field at point $P$ is zero, the magnetic field at point $P$ due to each current must be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. By the right hand rule, the magnetic field at point $P$ due to the current in wire 1 is directed to the left. Then, the magnetic field at point $P$ due to the current in wire 2 must be directed to the right. By the right hand rule, the current in wire 2 must be out of the page.
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