Iron rod - will flux link with disk above it

AI Thread Summary
When an aluminum disk is placed above a completely vertical current-carrying iron rod, the discussion centers on whether any magnetic flux links with the disk. It is noted that the type of current (AC or DC) is generally irrelevant unless considering induced EMF, as the magnetic field's behavior differs. The corkscrew rule suggests that the magnetic field is circular around the rod, implying no flux linkage with the disk. However, there is a comparison made to a solenoid, which behaves like a bar magnet and does create a different magnetic field interaction. Ultimately, the consensus is that the magnetic field from the vertical rod does not link with the aluminum disk, leading to no repulsion.
jsmith613
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If an aluminium disk is placed above a COMPLETELY vertical current carrying iron rod will any flux link with the aluminium disk...


Firstly, does it matter if the current is AC or DC. I presumed not as the only difference is that the magnetic field will vary in one case and stay constant in the other. The type of current would only be important if we were considering induced EMF.

Secondly, here is what I thought (but was not sure it was correct):
The rod is completely vertical so, as per the cork-screw rule the magnetic field should be circular around the rod. This would imply NO flux links with the aluminium disk.
However, on watching the following clip (first 40 seconds):

it seems I may have been mistaken. The only way I can see that the metallic disk is repelled is if flux DOES link with it. Perhaps also I am not comparing like with like.
 
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perhaps this image will help
attachment.php?attachmentid=154620&d=1339056751.png
 
jsmith613 said:
Perhaps also I am not comparing like with like.
In your example, you have a vertical wire. In the video is a solenoid, made up of horizontal coils of wire. Different situations.
 
Doc Al said:
In your example, you have a vertical wire. In the video is a solenoid, made up of horizontal coils of wire. Different situations.

I realized that after...in my situation, however, would the disk be repelled...I presumed not as the magnetic field does not link with the disk...is this correct?

also would I be correct in thinking that the solenoid behaves like a bar magnet?
 
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jsmith613 said:
I realized that after...in my situation, however, would the disk be repelled...I presumed not as the magnetic field does not link with the disk...is this correct?
That's what I would say.
also would I be correct in thinking that the solenoid behaves like a bar magnet?
Yes, close enough.
 
Doc Al said:
That's what I would say.
.

thanks a lot :)
 
Doc Al said:
That's what I would say.

Yes, close enough.

Is it irrelevant whether it is AC/DC
again I presumed it would be irrelevant?
 
jsmith613 said:
Is it irrelevant whether it is AC/DC
again I presumed it would be irrelevant?
I don't see how that would be relevant.
 
Doc Al said:
I don't see how that would be relevant.

ok thanks a lot :)
 

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