Calculating a Homopolar Generator's EMF

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    Emf Homopolar
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the electromotive force (EMF) of a homopolar generator, focusing on the relationships between charge, velocity, magnetic field, and induced voltage. Participants are exploring the underlying physics principles and mathematical formulations relevant to this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are analyzing the forces acting on a charge in a magnetic field and attempting to derive the EMF using different approaches, including differential forms and integration. There are questions regarding the assumptions made in the calculations and the relationships between variables.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the mathematical derivations and clarifying the forms of EMF. There is a recognition of different methods being explored, with some participants confirming their understanding of the concepts involved. No explicit consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct application of formulas and the interpretation of results, as one participant notes discrepancies in their answers compared to expected values. The discussion is framed within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the depth of exploration.

ElPimiento
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Homework Statement


Screen Shot 2016-04-14 at 1.21.10 PM.png
Screen Shot 2016-04-14 at 1.21.18 PM.png

Homework Equations


##\omega = v/r##
##q\vec v \times \vec B\ =\ \vec F_B##
##|\vec F|d\ =\ |\vec E|##
##q \Delta V\ =\ E##

The Attempt at a Solution


(So, my answer is twice and large as the correct answer. This is the second time this has happened on a question like this . . .)
Since a negative charge would collect on the outside of the disk I began by analyzing one negative charge and treated it in equilibrium on the edge of the disk,
$$\begin{align}
q\vec v \times \vec B- \frac{|\vec E|}{d}\ &=\ 0 \\
qvB \ &=\ \frac{q \Delta V}{r} \\
vBr \ &=\ \Delta V
\end{align}$$
And since ##v\ =\ \omega r##:
$$\begin{align}
(\omega r)Br \ &=\ \Delta V \\
\Delta V \ =\ \epsilon \ &\approx\ 48.3\ V
\end{align}$$
Any help would be wonderful c:
 
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Start with the differential form for emf:
d(emf) = Bv(r)dr
and show off your powers of integration! :-)
 
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I'm back tracking the work a little to make sure i understand where your getting that form of emf:
##\begin{align}
F_B - F_E \ &=\ 0 \\
F_B \ &=\ F_E\ =\ q|\vec E|\ =\ q\frac{d(\epsilon)}{dr} \\
vB\ =\ \omega r B\ &=\ \frac{d(emf)}{dr} \\
\int (\omega r B)dr\ &=\ \epsilon \\
\frac{\omega B r^2}{2} \ &=\ \epsilon\ \approx 24.1\ V
\end{align}##
thanks so much!
 
ElPimiento said:
I'm back tracking the work a little to make sure i understand where your getting that form of emf:
##\begin{align}
F_B - F_E \ &=\ 0 \\
F_B \ &=\ F_E\ =\ q|\vec E|\ =\ q\frac{d(\epsilon)}{dr} \\
vB\ =\ \omega r B\ &=\ \frac{d(emf)}{dr} \\
\int (\omega r B)dr\ &=\ \epsilon \\
\frac{\omega B r^2}{2} \ &=\ \epsilon\ \approx 24.1\ V
\end{align}##
thanks so much!
Looking good!

d(emf) = B(r) v(r) dr is just the generalized (differential) form of emf = Bvr. Just basic calculus. It allows B and/or v to be functions of r. If B and v are not functions of r then it's just Bvr. But in your case B = constant but v = v(r) so then
d(emf) = B v(r) dr = B ωr dr
and when integrated over r=0 to r= R you get emf = ωBR2/2
where R is the disk's radius.
 
Last edited:

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