Confusing diagram of a rotating coil in a magnetic field

In summary: So from Faraday's Law, we can calculate the emf as$$\mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}=-N B \omega \sin(\omega t).$$In summary, the diagram seems to depict a problem with Faraday's Law.
  • #1
Grizzly_1
7
3
TL;DR Summary
The coil diagram provided seems to contradict itself in the next diagram.
Hello all, I am currently studying for a physics a-level qualification in the UK, I use the AQA specification and I am having trouble understanding this image representing a scenario I found in my textbook. The first image in the three part diagram shows this rotating coil and to me, it makes absolutely no sense how from that image, you arrive at the side view in the second picture (I understand the physics of the side view image). Is this a poorly drawn diagram? or am I missing something? As to me it appears that not only is the coil at an angle to the field but also the axis itself is at an angle to the field, wouldn't this fundamentally change how the magnetic field interacted with it? How can the first image turn into the second if the axis isn't aligned at pi/2 rads to the magnetic field?
Any guidance on this is much appreciated, I am thoroughly confused.

Physicsbook1.jpg
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
2 ideas about this - either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.

or the axis really is at an angle, but when you look at the 2nd drawing, you are looking down the axis, and seeing a cross section of the B lines.
 
  • Like
Likes Grizzly_1
  • #3
scottdave said:
2 ideas about this - either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.

or the axis really is at an angle, but when you look at the 2nd drawing, you are looking down the axis, and seeing a cross section of the B lines.
But if the axis really was at an angle, wouldn't this mean that the flux is always hitting at an angle? Surely that means the 2nd drawing is slightly wrong at least.

Thanks for replying!
 
  • #4
Grizzly_1 said:
Is this a poorly drawn diagram?
scottdave said:
either they drew the first one as an isometric drawing to "look" 3d.
This^^^

I think the first drawing is a poor representation of the problem, and I would base my calculations on the 2nd drawing.
 
  • Like
Likes scottdave and Grizzly_1
  • #5
Formulae are much more accurate than any picture and sometimes easier to understand. I guess what they mean to depict is that there is a (for simplicity homogeneous) magnetic field, ##\vec{B}=B \vec{e}_3##, and a rectangular coil with ##N## windings rotating around a perpendicular axis, say the 1-axis, i.e., it's ##\vec{\omega}=\omega \vec{e}_1##. Let's assume the loop is initially oriented such that the rectangle is in the 12-plane. Then the surface-normal vector is given by ##\vec{n}=(0,\sin(\omega t),\cos(\omega t)##.

Unfortunately I cannot read the scanned book page well. I guess what they plot is the emf. So let's calculate the emf. from Faraday's Law. It's given by ##\mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}##, where ##\Phi## is the flux of the magnetic field through the surface. Let ##a## and ##b## the lengths of the sides of the rectangular ##N##-fold loop. Then
$$\Phi=N \vec{B} \cdot a b \vec{n} =a b N B \cos(\omega t) \; \Rightarrow \; \mathcal{E}=-\dot{\Phi}= a b B N \omega \sin(\omega t).$$
 
  • Like
Likes Grizzly_1

1. What is a rotating coil in a magnetic field?

A rotating coil in a magnetic field refers to a setup in which a coil of wire is placed within a magnetic field and is able to rotate freely. This setup is often used in experiments to demonstrate the principles of electromagnetism and how electric current can be induced by a changing magnetic field.

2. How does a rotating coil in a magnetic field work?

The rotating coil in a magnetic field works by utilizing the principles of electromagnetic induction. When the coil is rotated in the magnetic field, the changing magnetic field induces an electric current in the coil. This current can then be measured and used to study the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

3. What factors affect the behavior of a rotating coil in a magnetic field?

Several factors can affect the behavior of a rotating coil in a magnetic field, including the strength of the magnetic field, the speed of rotation, and the number of turns in the coil. Additionally, the angle at which the coil is rotated and the orientation of the coil in relation to the magnetic field can also impact its behavior.

4. How is a rotating coil in a magnetic field used in real-world applications?

Rotating coils in magnetic fields have various real-world applications, such as in electric motors and generators. These devices use the principles of electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy or vice versa. They are also used in devices like electric generators, transformers, and inductors.

5. What are some common misconceptions about rotating coils in magnetic fields?

One common misconception is that the coil must be rotating in order for electricity to be generated. In reality, the coil can remain stationary while the magnetic field is rotated around it to achieve the same effect. Additionally, some may think that the coil is directly interacting with the magnetic field, when in fact it is the changing magnetic field that induces the current in the coil.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
2
Replies
43
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
877
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
961
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
790
Replies
1
Views
962
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
983
Replies
2
Views
836
Back
Top