Magnetic Field in a Solenoid

In summary, the contribution of B°dl of the magnetic field at sections b and d of the enclosure length must be zero, even inside the solenoid, because the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of the wires and therefore does not add to the overall circulation. This is due to the fact that the solenoid is infinitely long and the components of the magnetic field parallel to the axis add up, resulting in a uniform magnetic field inside the solenoid.
  • #1
member 217843

Homework Statement


Explain why the contribution of B°dl of the magnetic field at sections b and d of the enclosure length must be zero, even inside the solenoid.
cutoutsolenoid.png


Homework Equations


Ampere's Law: ∮ B dl= U_0 I_enclosed N

The Attempt at a Solution


The right and left sides of the loop have a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the solenoid loop. Because of this, it makes no contribution to the circulation B°dl there.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi SgtMousse ...

Observe that all the circles in your diagram which reprsent the wires form a solenoid with current in a direction into the plane .Now you must be knowing that the solenoid is infinitely long right? In such a case the components of magnetic field due to the wires which are parallel to the axis of the solenoid add up and all others cancel out...Thus you are left with a uniform (almost uniform if you neglect the edges of the solenoid) magnetic field inside the solenoid parallel to the axis and in this case parallele to the side c... Now in the sections 'b' and 'd' the 'dl' is perpendicular to the magnetic field (which is along the direction of c)... So in those two sides even inside the solenoid B.dl is 0...

Hope you got this clear now...
 

1. What is a solenoid?

A solenoid is a long, coiled wire that produces a magnetic field when an electric current passes through it. It is often used in electromagnets and electronic devices.

2. How is a magnetic field created in a solenoid?

A magnetic field is created in a solenoid when an electric current flows through the coiled wire. The direction of the magnetic field inside the solenoid is determined by the direction of the current.

3. What factors affect the strength of the magnetic field in a solenoid?

The strength of the magnetic field in a solenoid is affected by the number of coils in the wire, the current flowing through the wire, and the material of the core inside the solenoid.

4. What is the purpose of a solenoid in an electronic device?

Solenoids are often used in electronic devices as switches or valves, where the magnetic field created by the solenoid can control the movement of other components.

5. Can the direction of the magnetic field in a solenoid be reversed?

Yes, the direction of the magnetic field in a solenoid can be reversed by changing the direction of the electric current flowing through the wire. This can be done by simply reversing the polarity of the power source.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
894
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
319
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
31
Views
544
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
25
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
917
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
259
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
974
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
164
Back
Top