Two identical circular wires P and Q, each of radius R and carrying current I, are kept in perpendicular planes such that they have a common centre. Find the magnitude and direction of the net magnetic field at the common centre of the two coils.
Answer:B=2Rμ0I, directed at 45∘ to the plane of each coil.
Solution
Each coil produces a field at the centre of magnitude B0=2Rμ0I, one directed along the axis of P and the other along the axis of Q. As the planes are perpendicular, these two fields are mutually perpendicular, so
B=B02+B02=2B0=2⋅2Rμ0I=2Rμ0I.
The resultant makes an angle of 45∘ with the plane of each coil.