Calculating EMF in a Solenoid: Understanding the Relationship of Turns and EMF

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of electromotive force (EMF) in a solenoid, specifically examining the relationship between the number of turns (N) and the total EMF produced. Participants explore concepts related to current, voltage, and the implications of adding EMF from multiple turns, with a focus on theoretical and conceptual understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the total EMF in a solenoid can be expressed as N times the EMF per turn (e), drawing a parallel to the total current being N times the current per turn (I).
  • Another participant asserts that while the total current is I, the concept of "Amp-Turns" is introduced, indicating that it refers to the product of current and the number of turns (NI).
  • A participant seeks clarification on why EMF adds up, suggesting it may relate to the total work done on a charge being N times e.
  • Several participants explain that each turn generates its own EMF due to changing magnetic flux, and these EMFs are in series, leading to a cumulative effect.
  • One participant notes that once the magnetic field stabilizes, the only factor defining the current is the resistance of the coil, and discusses the implications of using thicker wire to reduce resistance.
  • A later reply introduces the analogy of batteries in series to illustrate the concept of multiple EMFs contributing to a total voltage.
  • Another participant corrects a misconception regarding the current in the solenoid, emphasizing that the current remains constant along the wire in a direct current (DC) scenario.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between EMF and current in a solenoid, with some agreeing on the additive nature of EMF while others clarify misconceptions about current. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise implications of these relationships.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts such as Ampere's Law and the behavior of current in a solenoid, but there are unresolved assumptions about the definitions and implications of these terms. The discussion also touches on practical considerations like wire thickness and resistance, which may influence the theoretical models presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of physics, particularly those interested in electromagnetism, circuit theory, and the practical applications of solenoids in electrical engineering.

Adesh
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If I have a solenoid with N number of turns in total. And if I say that in each
551E5B25-9ABF-4E43-807C-D7779EEA6F96.jpeg

turn the EMF is equal to e then can I conclude that the total EMF in the solenoid i.e. from A to B is N \times e .
I’m asking this because whenever a current I flows in each turn of the solenoid then we always say that total current flowing through the solenoid is N \times I . So can we say this even for EMF .

Thank you.
 
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Adesh said:
the EMF is equal to e then can I conclude that the total EMF in the solenoid i.e. from A to B is N×e N \times e .
Yes.
Adesh said:
I’m asking this because whenever a current I flows in each turn of the solenoid then we always say that total current flowing through the solenoid is N×I N \times I .
No. The current is I. The number of "Amp-Turns" is NI.

Does that make sense?
 
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berkeman said:
Yes.

No. The current is I. The number of "Amp-Turns" is NI.

Does that make sense?
“Amp-turns” means ?
 
berkeman said:
Yes.

No. The current is I. The number of "Amp-Turns" is NI.

Does that make sense?
Can you please explain why the EMF got added up?
Is it due to the total work done on a 1~C of charge will be N \times e as in each turn the work done is e ?
 
EMF is like a voltage. Since each turn has its own EMF or voltage generated by a changing flux through the coil, the little voltage sources are in series so they add up.

The same current flows through the whole coil, so it's all the same current. The flux is generated by the current multiplied by the number of turns, hence the concept of Amp-Turns.
 
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berkeman said:
EMF is like a voltage. Since each turn has its own EMF or voltage generated by a changing flux through the coil, the little voltage sources are in series so they add up.

The same current flows through the whole coil, so it's all the same current. The flux is generated by the current multiplied by the number of turns, hence the concept of Amp-Turns.
Thank you. I had a misconception that the current was N\times I. Thank you once again
 
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berkeman said:
EMF is like a voltage. Since each turn has its own EMF or voltage generated by a changing flux through the coil, the little voltage sources are in series so they add up.
We could also point out that, once the Field has built up to its final value, there is no Induced ('back') emf and the Resistance of the Coil is the only thing defines the current through it. The Potential drop across each turn is Total PD / N and the Current = V/R. Solenoids tend to have as low resistance as possible (thickest wire for the space available for your N turns) so the final current can be very high.
'Amp Turns' is a term that may not make sense at first but many turns with low current can produce the same flux as few turns with high current. The choice of N depends on available power supply and how hot the coil can be allowed to get (resistive heating).
 
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Adesh said:
Thank you. I had a misconception that the current was N\times I. Thank you once again
The current is of course constant along the wire (in DC). The reason is simply charge conservation. In the stationary case at any cross section of the wire the charge per unit of time flowing through must be the same. However, using Ampere's Law you have to count how many times this current runs through the area in the integral, and that's ##N## times, i.e., you have (in SI units)
$$\int_{\partial A} \mathrm{d} \vec{r} \cdot \vec{B}=\mu_{0} \int_A \mathrm{d}^2 \vec{f} \cdot \vec{j}=\mu_0 N I.$$
 
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Each turn is like a battery of so many V emf.
What happens when you hook up N batteries in series with equidirectional polarity?
 
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