The slopes of these graphs represent what? (Magnetic Fields)

In summary, the slope on the graph is supposed to represent the permeability of a vacuum, but it doesn't match the equations. The units for magnetic field and current don't match, either, so it's not working.
  • #1
RockThis52
6
0
For a magnetic fields lab I am asked to graph the data and from there, use the slope to find a certain value.

For one of them, I am asked to plot the current (x) vs the magnetic field (y).
The slope is supposed to give me a value, I have the slope, no clue what the value would represent. After some research I found that people are saying it represents the loops?

No clue what that is.

Anyway I also have to plot the distance (1/r) (x) vs the magnetic field strength (y) and the slope is supposed to be the permeability of a vacuum. I get 2E-7. Using 4piE-7, that's a deviation of 85%. I do have a feeling something is not right here.

Units for 1/r, are 1/m and units for magnetic field are T, while units for current are A.

Relevant equations:

B=(µ0I)/2πr
B=(µ0NI)/2R

This is no homework question, in fact I don't need a numerical answer. I just need to know if I'm on the right track.

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
For one of them, I am asked to plot the current (x) vs the magnetic field (y).
The slope is supposed to give me a value, I have the slope, no clue what the value would represent. After some research I found that people are saying it represents the loops?

No clue what that is.
The slope is "magnetic field per current", and this is proportional to physical constants and the number of windings in your loop.
Anyway I also have to plot the distance (1/r) (x) vs the magnetic field strength (y) and the slope is supposed to be the permeability of a vacuum. I get 2E-7. Using 4piE-7, that's a deviation of 85%. I do have a feeling something is not right here.
That cannot work, the units (and physics) do not match. Can you post the full problem statement?
 
  • #3
Yup.

5. Plot a graph of magnetic field vs. the reciprocal of the distance from the center of the
conductor. Use Logger Pro or another graphing tool. Page 2 of the experiment file is set
up for this graph.
6. Calculate the permeability of the air from the slope of this graph. How does it compare
with the permeability of the vacuum?
 
  • #4
"Calculate" is better. You can rearrange your equations for B to have the form B*r = ...

This is equivalent to B/(1/r)= and the slope of your graph. You have to know I (and probably N), too.
 
  • #5
Oh, that makes total sense. I do have I, but N why do I need? Can't I use the first equation I posted?
 
  • #6
If your coil has multiple windings, you have to take that into account.
If you have a straight wire, things are different.

Both formulas apply to different situations, I don't know which setup you have.
 
  • #7
Well my set up was just a straight wire, so I'm assuming I use the first equation since there are no visible windings? Either way I could rearrange in both equations, correct?
 
  • #8
Either way I could rearrange in both equations, correct?
This is possible, but you still have to use the correct one - the first one, in this case.
 

What is the significance of the slopes of these graphs in relation to magnetic fields?

The slopes of these graphs represent the strength of the magnetic field. A steeper slope indicates a stronger magnetic field, while a flatter slope indicates a weaker magnetic field.

How are the slopes of these graphs calculated?

The slopes of these graphs are calculated by finding the change in the dependent variable (usually voltage) over the change in the independent variable (usually distance or time).

Do the slopes of these graphs always indicate the strength of the magnetic field?

No, the slopes of these graphs can also represent other factors such as the rate of change of the magnetic field or the direction of the magnetic field.

Can the slopes of these graphs be negative?

Yes, the slopes of these graphs can be negative. This indicates a decrease in the strength of the magnetic field over the change in the independent variable.

Is there a standard unit for the slopes of these graphs?

The units for the slopes of these graphs will depend on the units of the dependent and independent variables. For example, if the dependent variable is voltage and the independent variable is distance, the unit for the slope will be volts/meter.

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