The current and magnetic field of an ideal solenoid.

In summary, the direction of the magnetic field inside an ideal solenoid is in the same direction as the current flow, from left to right. In circuit diagrams, the current always flows from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. The symbol for EMF, or electromotive force, is represented by a capital epsilon and the current begins at the EMF terminal and ends at the other, smaller terminal. This information can also be confirmed by referencing the Wikipedia page on electromotive force. It is also recommended to post general questions in a forum rather than a homework-related question.
  • #1
winbacker
13
0
This is not a homework question, it's just to help my conceptual understanding of two quick things:

Suppose you have an ideal solenoid placed horizontally in front of you. The current is traveling (spiralling) from your left to your right.

What direction is the magnetic field inside the loop going in? In the same direction as the current(to the right), or the opposite direction (or the left)?

In other words, inside an ideal solenoid, are the current and magnetic field in the same direction or opposite direction?

Also
In circuit diagrams, the current always flows from the + terminal to the - terminal right? In some diagrams, the large terminal is replaced by what appears to be a "capital epsilon". The symbol stands for EMF (Electromotive Force). I assume the current begins at the EMF terminal and ends at the other (smaller one?).

If anyone could confirm this info for me it would be a great help.
 
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  • #2
The current and the magnetic field are always at right angles to each other.

It is true that the magentic field flows in the same direction as the net current flow, but only in this special case.

For emf see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromotive_force

Also try to post int the general questions forum if it's not a homework related question!
 
  • #3


I can confirm that the magnetic field inside an ideal solenoid is in the same direction as the current, which in this case would be to the right.

In circuit diagrams, the direction of the current is represented by the direction of the arrow, which always goes from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. The capital epsilon symbol represents the EMF, which is the force that drives the current in a circuit. The current starts at the positive terminal (represented by the EMF symbol) and ends at the negative terminal. This is known as the conventional current flow direction. However, in reality, the electrons actually flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal, which is known as the electron flow direction. Both directions are valid and can be used to describe the flow of current in a circuit.
 

What is an ideal solenoid?

An ideal solenoid is a theoretical device that is used to represent a long, thin coil of wire with tightly wound turns. It is considered ideal because it has a uniform magnetic field and no resistance, which makes it easier to study and analyze.

What is the current in an ideal solenoid?

The current in an ideal solenoid is constant and uniform throughout the coil. This is because the turns of the coil are tightly wound and there is no resistance, allowing the current to flow freely without any fluctuations.

What is the magnetic field of an ideal solenoid?

The magnetic field of an ideal solenoid is also constant and uniform. It is directed along the axis of the coil and has a magnitude that depends on the number of turns in the coil, the current flowing through it, and the permeability of the material inside the coil.

How does the magnetic field of an ideal solenoid vary with distance?

The magnetic field of an ideal solenoid does not vary with distance along its axis. This means that the strength of the field is the same at any point along the length of the solenoid, as long as the distance is not too far from the ends of the coil.

What is the difference between an ideal solenoid and a real solenoid?

An ideal solenoid is a theoretical concept that does not exist in the real world. In reality, a solenoid will have some resistance and the magnetic field may not be perfectly uniform. However, ideal solenoids are useful for simplifying calculations and understanding the basic principles of electromagnetism.

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