Coaxial Solenoids: Finding Magnetic Field

  • Thread starter Reshma
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In summary, the magnetic field \vec B can be found in three regions for two coaxial long solenoids with opposite currents. Inside the inner solenoid, the field is \vec B = \mu_0 I n_1 \hat k. Between the solenoids, the field is \vec B = \mu_0 I \left(n_1 - n_2\right)\hat k. And outside both solenoids, the field is \vec B = 0. The fields superimpose inside the inner solenoid and between the solenoids, but are only nonzero inside the respective solenoids. The field inside the inner solenoid can be found using superposition as \vec
  • #1
Reshma
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This one is from Griffiths.

Two coaxial long solenoids each carry current I, but in opposite directions.
The inner solenoid has radius 'a' and has 'n1' turns per unit length.
The outer solenoid has radius 'b' and has 'n2' turns per unit length.
Find the magnetic field [itex]\vec B[/itex] in three regions:
1] inside the inner solenoid
2] between them
3] outside both

My work:
I worked out the solution for these. Someone verify if my answers are correct.
General formula for magnetic field for a solenoid of 'n' turns is:
[tex]\vec B = \mu_0 nI \hat k[/tex]

1] For inner solenoid:
[tex]\vec B = \mu_0 I n_1 \hat k[/tex]

2]Between the solenoids:
[tex]\vec B = \mu_0 I n_1\hat k - \mu_0 I n_2\hat k[/tex]

[tex]\vec B = \mu_0 I \left(n_1 - n_2\right)\hat k[/tex]

3]Outside both:
[tex]\vec B = 0[/tex]
 
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  • #2
not quite right.
why would the fields add between them but cancel outside both?
[especially what is the field of the "inner" solenoid?
use superposition.]
 
  • #3
You mean the fields superimpose at the inner solenoid and not between them?
 
  • #4
the fields superimpose everywhere.
but the fields are only nonzero inside
the respective solenoids.
 
  • #5
qbert said:
the fields superimpose everywhere.
but the fields are only nonzero inside
the respective solenoids.
So the field inside the inner solenoid would be:
[tex]\vec B = \mu_0 I \left(n_1 - n_2\right)\hat k[/tex]
& the field between them would be:
[tex]\vec B = -\mu_0 I n_2\hat k[/tex]

Hope, I got it right & thanks for the help!
 
  • #6
No clarifications so far...then I suppose my answer is correct :biggrin:.
 

1. What is a coaxial solenoid?

A coaxial solenoid is a type of electromagnet that consists of a cylindrical coil wound around a central axis, creating a uniform magnetic field along the axis.

2. How is the magnetic field of a coaxial solenoid calculated?

The magnetic field of a coaxial solenoid can be calculated using the formula B = μ₀N/L, where B is the magnetic field strength, μ₀ is the permeability of free space, N is the number of turns in the coil, and L is the length of the solenoid.

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

The strength of the magnetic field in a coaxial solenoid is affected by the number of turns in the coil, the current passing through the coil, and the permeability of the core material (if present).

4. Can the direction of the magnetic field in a coaxial solenoid be changed?

Yes, the direction of the magnetic field in a coaxial solenoid can be changed by reversing the direction of the current passing through the coil.

5. What are some practical applications of coaxial solenoids?

Coaxial solenoids are commonly used in electromagnetic devices such as relays, transformers, and electric motors. They are also used in medical devices such as MRI machines and in scientific experiments to generate uniform magnetic fields.

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