Magnetic Flux and Induced EMF in a Coil

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the average induced electromotive force (emf) in a coil subjected to a change in magnetic flux due to rotation in Earth's magnetic field. The problem involves concepts from electromagnetism, specifically magnetic flux and Faraday's law of induction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of magnetic flux before and after the rotation of the coil, questioning the application of the formula for emf and the correct interpretation of the results. There are inquiries about the initial angle used in the flux calculation and the conversion of area units.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the calculations involved in determining the magnetic flux and induced emf. Some have provided insights into potential errors in the calculations, particularly regarding the multiplication of the number of turns in the coil and the area conversion. The discussion is ongoing, with no clear consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the problem being part of an online assignment, which may impose specific constraints or expectations on the calculations. Participants are also addressing unit conversion issues related to area measurements.

erik-the-red
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In a physics laboratory experiment, a coil with 210 turns enclosing an area of 12.7 cm^2 is rotated during the time interval 3.70 \cdot 10^{−2} sfrom a position in which its plane is perpendicular to Earth's magnetic field to one in which its plane is parallel to the field. The magnitude of Earth's magnetic field at the lab location is 5.20 \cdot 10^{−5} T.

What is the magnitude of the average emf induced in the coil?

I've already found the total magnitude of the magnetic flux through the coil before and after rotation.

Since the magnitude after rotation is zero, the change in magnetic flux is merely the negative of the initial magnetic flux.

I use the equation {\cal{E}} = - N \frac{d \Phi_1}{dt} = - N \frac{\Delta \Phi_1}{\Delta t}.

Plugging in, I get -\frac{210 \cdot (-1.39 \cdot 10^{-5})}{3.70 \cdot 10^{-2}}.

The negatives cancel out, leaving me with a positive answer.

But, my answer is wrong.

What happened?
 
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erik-the-red said:
In a physics laboratory experiment, a coil with 210 turns enclosing an area of 12.7 cm^2 is rotated during the time interval 3.70 \cdot 10^{−2} sfrom a position in which its plane is perpendicular to Earth's magnetic field to one in which its plane is parallel to the field. The magnitude of Earth's magnetic field at the lab location is 5.20 \cdot 10^{−5} T.

What is the magnitude of the average emf induced in the coil?

I've already found the total magnitude of the magnetic flux through the coil before and after rotation.

Since the magnitude after rotation is zero, the change in magnetic flux is merely the negative of the initial magnetic flux.

I use the equation {\cal{E}} = - N \frac{d \Phi_1}{dt} = - N \frac{\Delta \Phi_1}{\Delta t}.

Plugging in, I get -\frac{210 \cdot (-1.39 \cdot 10^{-5})}{3.70 \cdot 10^{-2}}.

The negatives cancel out, leaving me with a positive answer.

But, my answer is wrong.

What happened?
How did you calculate the flux?
 
The first part of the question asked:

What is the total magnitude of the magnetic flux (\Phi_i) through the coil before it is rotated?

I used the equation \Phi_i = B \cdot A \cdot \cos(\phi). My answer of 1.39e(-5) is correct.
 
erik-the-red said:
The first part of the question asked:

What is the total magnitude of the magnetic flux (\Phi_i) through the coil before it is rotated?

I used the equation \Phi_i = B \cdot A \cdot \cos(\phi). My answer of 1.39e(-5) is correct.
?

The initial angle in the problem you stated is 0; cos(0) = 1.

B*A*cos(0) = 5.2e-5T*12.7cm^2*(1m/100cm)^2=6.6e-8Tm^2

Where have I gone wrong?
 
There are actually 10,000 square centimeters in one square meter. This is a problem from an online assignment. I know the first and second parts are correct.

The third part is still puzzling me.
 
erik-the-red said:
There are actually 10,000 square centimeters in one square meter. This is a problem from an online assignment. I know the first and second parts are correct.

The third part is still puzzling me.
(100cm/m)^2 is 10,000 cm^2/m^2

I think I see the problem.

1.39e-5 = 6.6e-8*210

In the earlier part of the problem you already multiplied the flux times the number of turns. Now you are doing it again to calculate the emf. I don't know what the earlier question was, but you only get to multiply by N once to calculate emf.
 
OlderDan, thanks!
 

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