Two rails and a rod (magnetic field)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a physics problem involving two parallel wires acting as rails for a metal rod in a magnetic field. When a constant current I flows through the system, the force on the rod is determined by the equation F = ILB, where L is the distance between the wires and B is the magnetic field strength. The speed of the rod as a function of time is derived under two conditions: with and without friction. The rod moves west when the current through it is directed north.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic forces on current-carrying conductors
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients and their application in mechanics
  • Basic concepts of electric current and magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz force law in electromagnetism
  • Learn about the effects of friction on motion in physics
  • Explore the relationship between current, magnetic fields, and force on conductors
  • Investigate the principles of motion in magnetic fields, including applications in rail systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in the dynamics of current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields.

lalala_land89
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two stiff parallel wires a distance L apart in a horizontal plane act as rails to support a light metal rod of mass m(perpendicular to each rail). A magnetic field B, directed out of the page(textbook page) acts throughtout. At t=0 , wires connected to the rails are connected to a constant current-source and a current I begins to flow through the system. East to the bottom rail, north to the rod , west to the upper rail. Determine the speed of the rod as a function of time a) assuming there's no friction b) there's friction cofficient U c) In which direction does the rod move, east or west , if the current through it is north?


Homework Equations



a) x=vt ? b) mechanical equaction Ffr= U Fn ?? c) west

I'm lost with this. help please.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
lalala_land89 said:
a) x=vt ?

Why do you think that is the answer? Do you have any thoughts/ideas on how to approach this problem?
 
The force on the wire is ILB. Then apply F=ma.
 

Similar threads

Rod on rails in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Railgun: Significant magnetic field where projectile is?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Pushing a rod in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
How Do You Calculate the Speed of a Rod in a Magnetic Field?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
Electric forces between conducting rod and rail
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Why does metal moving though a magnetic field slow down?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Magnetic flux of sliding bar on rails
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Work and Heat Transfer in a Magnetic Field: Conduction Rod on Conducting Rails
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Motional EMF in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Induced EMF from moving conducting rod
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K