Calculating emf in a Loop with Changing Magnetic Field

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the electromotive force (emf) in a square loop of wire subjected to a changing magnetic field, described by the equation B = 4.0 t^2y. The loop has sides of length 2 cm, and the task is to determine the emf at a specific time, t = 1.50 s.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Faraday's law and the integration of the magnetic field over the area of the loop. There are attempts to derive the emf from the change in magnetic flux, with some questioning the correctness of the signs in their calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to calculate the emf, with participants sharing their reasoning and results. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of signs in the context of Faraday's law, and there is acknowledgment of the ambiguity in the direction of the emf.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the sign in the final answer and discuss the implications of the direction of the loop in relation to the emf calculation. There is also mention of using scientific notation for clarity in the final result.

123yt
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1. In the figure the square loop of wire has sides of length 2 cm. A magnetic field points out of the page; its magnitude is given by

B = 4.0 t^2y

where B is in teslas, t is in seconds and y is in meters. Determine the emf around the square at t = 1.50 s.


[URL]http://homework.phyast.pitt.edu/res/sc/gblanpied/courses/usclib/hrw8/hrwpictures/31-43.jpg[/URL]2. emf = -Change in Flux

The Attempt at a Solution



B = 4*t^2*y
Integrated the equation with respect to y over an interval of 0 to 0.02 meters (length of y), multiplied result by 0.02 (length of x). Final result was 0.000016*t^2, which should also be the flux.

Flux = 0.000016*t^2
Derived the equation, and got dFlux = 0.000032*t dt.
Inserted 1.5 into t and got 0.000048.

emf = -0.000048 V.
Answer isn't correct.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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123yt said:
1. In the figure the square loop of wire has sides of length 2 cm. A magnetic field points out of the page; its magnitude is given by

B = 4.0 t^2y

where B is in teslas, t is in seconds and y is in meters. Determine the emf around the square at t = 1.50 s.


[URL]http://homework.phyast.pitt.edu/res/sc/gblanpied/courses/usclib/hrw8/hrwpictures/31-43.jpg[/URL]2. emf = -Change in Flux
Start with Faraday's law:

emf = \int E\cdot ds = - \frac{d}{dt}\int B\cdot dA

dA = xdy

So the right side is:

-\frac{d}{dt}\int B\cdot dA = -\frac{d}{dt}\int 4xyt^2dy = -\frac{d}{dt}(t^2)\int 4xydy

Does that help?

AM
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Ok, and the integration of 4xydy from 0 to 0.02, and then multiplying that result by x is 0.000016.

emf = d/dt * t^2 * 0.000016.
Deriving gets 0.000032 * t
Plug 1.5 into t to get 0.000048 V.

Was the answer supposed to be positive?
 
123yt said:
Ok, and the integration of 4xydy from 0 to 0.02, and then multiplying that result by x is 0.000016.

emf = d/dt * t^2 * 0.000016.
Deriving gets 0.000032 * t
Plug 1.5 into t to get 0.000048 V.

Was the answer supposed to be positive?
I had missed the - sign in Faraday's law (since corrected). But that just determines the direction of the electric field/potential difference. The question does not tell you what direction to go around the loop, so the answer can be positive or negative. You have the correct answer as far as I can tell. Try using scientific notation: 4.8x10^-5 V and also try it with a - sign.

AM
 
Alright, it works now. Thanks for the help.
 

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