You are standing directly under an electrical wire carrying current towards the South. If the wire is carrying 180 A and is located 12 m overhead, determine the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field where you are standing.
direction of the magnetic field into the page - My answer. Am I correct? Ignore the equation part of the question. I just want to know if my direction is correct.
Nope. It's parallel to the earth's surface (i.e. east). Right hand rule.
To determine the direction of the magnetic field, you can use the right-hand rule for a straight wire.
1. Extend your right hand with your thumb pointing in the direction of the current, which is towards the South in this case.
2. Curl your fingers. The direction in which your fingers curl represents the direction of the magnetic field created by the wire.
In this scenario, since you are directly under the wire and the current is flowing towards the South, curling your fingers would indicate that the magnetic field would be directed into the page. So, your answer of the direction of the magnetic field being into the page is correct.