Average current around a magnetic loop that changes its shape

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the average current induced in a magnetic loop that changes shape. The initial approach using the formula V = R × I and the maximum emf equation was incorrect for finding the average current. Participants emphasized the need to apply Faraday's law for average induced emf, suggesting to express the change in magnetic flux and time in terms of the loop's radius and angular speed. The correct average current was confirmed to be 0.84 A, aligning with the expected result. Acknowledging that the current varies sinusoidally over time is crucial for accurate calculations.
Alefan_
Messages
1
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
The picture shows a loop formed by two semicircles linked together by the straight sections of a wire. The loop and the dotted line lie on the same plane.
The smaller semicircle, which has a radius of 0.20m, starts rotating with an angular speed of ω=1.5 rad/s around the dotted line until it gets into a position that's perpendicular to the bigger semicircle (B).
A constant magnetic field of B= 0.35 T is directed upwards, perpendicular to the plane where the loop lies.
The loops resistance is R=0.025 Ω
Find out the induced loop current I while it changes its form, hoing from picture A to B.
Relevant Equations
V=R×I
fem=ω×A×B
Semicircle Area=½×π×r^2
20200113_174058.jpg


To find out what the induced loop current was i used the formula:
V=R×I

To find out what the value of V was i used the formula that links electromotive force (fem) to angular speed:
Fem=ω×B×A

The only thing that's missing is the loops area but considering that it's a semicircle and that the radius value was given I used this formula:
A=½×π×r^2

Substituting all of the values the answer comes out as incorrect, I'll leave a photo of my procedure here:

20200113_174112.jpg


The result comes out as 1.31 A while it should be 0.84 A, what's wrong with my procedure?

Thank you to anyone who will help.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
The formula ##\varepsilon = \omega AB## is not going to give you the correct result. This formula is for finding the maximum emf induced in a loop of area ##A## rotating in a uniform magnetic field. You need to find the average emf induced when the smaller semicircle rotates through a quarter turn.

I recommend that you go back to basics. According to Faraday's law, the average induced emf is given by

##\overline {\varepsilon} = \frac{\Delta \Phi}{\Delta t}##. Find an expression for ##\Delta \Phi## in terms of ##B## and ##r##. Find an expression for ##\Delta t## in terms of ##\omega##.
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
A different approach would be to find the total charge ##\Delta Q## that flows through the semicircle and then divide that by the time ##T## is takes the loop to rotate by a quarter revolution. Note that $$\Delta Q=\int_0^T I~dt=\frac{1}{R}\int_0^T\frac{d \Phi}{dt}dt=~?$$
 
  • Like
Likes Delta2
I have nothing to add to TSny's post except that my answer was about 5% higher than the given one.
EDIT: On recomputing I also got exactly 0.84A. My bad.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes collinsmark
rude man said:
I have nothing to add to TSny's post except that my answer was about 5% higher than the given one.
I got exactly the given answer, no rounding.
 
kuruman said:
I got exactly the given answer, no rounding.
I concur. I also got the given answer, 0.84 A, exactly (no rounding necessary).

@kuruman's method is the correct approach here. The tricky bit is that the problem statement is asking for the "average" current (not the "peak" current). That, and the current is not a constant value -- it's time varying. To complicate things further, the current does not vary linearly with time, it varies sinusoidally with time [wink, wink (i.e., that's a hint)].

So, to solve for the "average" current, the steps are
  • Find an expression for the instantaneous current as a function of time.
  • Integrate over time from t = t_0 = 0 to t = t_1 to find the total charge Q, such that \theta_1 = \omega t_1 = \frac{\pi}{2}.
  • Calculate i_{ave} by dividing the charge by t_1 (i.e., i_{ave} = \frac{Q}{t_1}).
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K