Consider the magnetic field (B) of a wire with a constant current (I). A Magnetic Field sensor is placed at a radius (r). Will the magnitude of the magnetic field change if the sensor was moved around the wire while holding the current and radius constant?

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Physics

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27 December, 14:59

Consider the magnetic field (B) of a wire with a constant current (I). A Magnetic Field sensor is placed at a radius (r). Will the magnitude of the magnetic field change if the sensor was moved around the wire while holding the current and radius constant?

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Answers (1)

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Nigel Goodwin · Answer 1

No, the magnitude of the magnetic field won't change.

Explanation:

The magnetic field produced by a wire with a constant current is circular and its flow is given by the right-hand rule. Since this field is circular with center on the wire the magnitude of the magnetic field around the wire will be given by B = [ (/mi_0) * I] / (2/pi*r) where (/mi_0) is a constant, I is the current that goes through the conductor and r is the distance from the wire. If the field sensor will move around the wire with a fixed radius the distance from the wire won't change so the magnitude of the field won't change.