We have seen that the heart produces a magnetic field, and that this can be used to diagnose problems with the heart. The magnetic field of the heart is a dipole field that is produced by a loop current in the outer layers of the heart. Suppose the field at the center of the heart is 90 pT (a pT is 10-12T) and that the heart has a diameter of approximately 12 cm. What current circulates around the heart to produce this field?

Question

Physics

Seamus Campos

6 April, 10:38

We have seen that the heart produces a magnetic field, and that this can be used to diagnose problems with the heart. The magnetic field of the heart is a dipole field that is produced by a loop current in the outer layers of the heart. Suppose the field at the center of the heart is 90 pT (a pT is 10-12T) and that the heart has a diameter of approximately 12 cm. What current circulates around the heart to produce this field?

+3

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Evan Lam · Answer 1

Current circulating is 8.59*10^-6A

Explanation:

Magnetic field at the center of the loop is given by, B = μI/2R

I = 2RB/μ

given that B is 90x 10^-12 T

radius is 0.12 m / 2 = 0.06m

we know that μ is 4π x 10^-7 T. A/m

Substituting the given values we get,

I = (((2 (0.06m) (90x 10^-12 T)) / (4π x 10^-7 T. A/m))

I is 8.59 x 10^-6 A