Balancing magnetic force with gravity.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dynamics of a square aluminum loop falling through a uniform magnetic field (B) and the effects of gravity on its motion. Key points include that the magnetic field remains active as the loop enters it, and the direction of induced current changes depending on the loop's position relative to the field. The participants clarify that the problem does not become significantly more complex if the loop starts falling from above the field, as the magnetic effects are consistent regardless of the starting position.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic induction principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of magnetic fields and forces
  • Knowledge of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic grasp of the Griffiths textbook on electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction
  • Explore Lenz's Law and its implications for induced currents
  • Investigate the effects of varying magnetic field strengths on conductive materials
  • Learn about the motion of conductive loops in magnetic fields using simulations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetism and the interaction between magnetic fields and conductive materials.

Sammy268
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I have been reading ahead in my course from Griffiths textbook and I have a couple of questions. I found this solution online to a question: http://glennrowe.net/physicspages/2013/09/23/balancing-magnetic-force-with-gravity/

It says: A square loop is cut out of a thick sheet of aluminum. It is then placed so that the top portion is in a uniform magnetic field B, and allowed to fall under gravity.

The solution is fairly easy to understand, but I have a couple of questions.

What if the loop starts when the bottom edge is in line with the bottom of the magnetic field? In this case would B = 0? Is it possible to work out how long it would take to clear the field?

What would happen if the loop were to begin falling from above the field? Does this make the problem harder?
 
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Sammy268 said:
What if the loop starts when the bottom edge is in line with the bottom of the magnetic field? In this case would B = 0? Is it possible to work out how long it would take to clear the field?
The magnet provides B the B field, so no, B would not be =0.
If in line with the B field as soon as the loop falls any distance it has cleared, and the problem becomes as before.

Sammy268 said:
What would happen if the loop were to begin falling from above the field? Does this make the problem harder?
Not really.
The current would be in the opposite direction with the bottom edge within the field as opposed to the bottom edge within the field.

What do you think would happen if both top and bottom edge are both within the field?
 

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