Final answer:
The magnetic field at a certain distance from a wire carrying a current of 23.7 A is calculated using Ampere's Law, with the formula B = (μ₀i) / (2πr). The direction of the magnetic field is determined using the right-hand rule, where it forms concentric circles around the wire.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the magnetic field at a certain distance from a very long and straight wire carrying a current of i = 23.7 A, we use Ampere's Law, which relates the magnetic field around a current-carrying wire to the current through the wire. The formula to calculate the magnetic field (B) due to a current i in a long straight wire is given as B = (μ₀i) / (2πr), where μ₀ is the permeability of free space (μ₀ = 4π x 10-7 T·m/A), i is the current, and r is the distance from the wire to the point where the magnetic field is being calculated.
The current in the wire generates a magnetic field as moving electric charges create a circular magnetic field around the path of the current flow. This magnetic field can be visualized as concentric circles around the wire with the direction determined by the right-hand rule. If you point the thumb of your right hand in the direction of the current, your fingers curl in the direction of the magnetic field lines around the wire.