Calculating Induced Current in a Coil of Wire

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the induced current in a flat coil of wire positioned in a changing magnetic field. The coil consists of 20 turns, with each turn having an area of 50 cm². The magnetic field increases from 2.0 T to 6.0 T over a period of 2.0 seconds, and the coil has a resistance of 0.40 Ω.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of Faraday's law of induction and the relationship between induced EMF and changing magnetic flux. There are attempts to express the induced current in terms of magnetic flux and resistance, with some questioning the relevance of inductance equations. Others express confusion regarding the evaluation of magnetic flux and the implications of the given rate of change of the magnetic field.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided guidance on using Faraday's law and the relationship between induced current and magnetic flux. There is ongoing exploration of the correct equations to apply, with some participants noting discrepancies in their calculations and questioning the assumptions made about the magnetic field and area units.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the conversion of area units from square centimeters to square meters, which may be affecting their calculations. There is also a discussion about the necessity of considering the number of turns in the coil when calculating total magnetic flux.

roam
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Homework Statement


A flat coil of wire consisting of 20 turns, each with an area of 50 cm2, is positioned perpendicularly to a uniform magnetic field that increases its magnitude at a constant rate from 2.0 T to 6.0 T in 2.0 s. If the coil has a total resistance of 0.40 Ω , what is the magnitude of the induced current?


Homework Equations



B= \mu_0 \frac{N}{l} I

\Phi_B = \int B.dA

L=\mu_0 N^2 A

L=\frac{\Phi_B}{I}

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the above equations and rearranging we get

I=\frac{\Phi_B}{\mu_0N^2A}

I=\frac{\Phi_B}{(4\pi \times 10^{-7}) 20^2 (0.5)}

Now how do I evaluate the flux? I use \Phi_B = LI, then the I's will cancel and I can't solve the problem...

Are there simpler ways of solving this problem? How do I need to make use of dB/dt which is given to us?
 
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You don't need to use the inductance equations (i.e. the equations with 'L') here; you just need Faraday's law of induction:
<br /> \frac{d\Phi_B}{dt} = - \mathcal{E}<br />

where the 'E' is the EMF.

Remember that currents are only induced by changing magnetic fields, just like magnetic fields are only induced by changing electric fields.
 
zhermes said:
You don't need to use the inductance equations (i.e. the equations with 'L') here; you just need Faraday's law of induction:
<br /> \frac{d\Phi_B}{dt} = - \mathcal{E}<br />

where the 'E' is the EMF.

Remember that currents are only induced by changing magnetic fields, just like magnetic fields are only induced by changing electric fields.

This equation doesn't take into acoount the number of turns in the coil, but I've tried it

<br /> \frac{-4}{2} = -I (0.4)<br />

This gives us I=5 A, but the correct answer must be 0.5A. I had all the units in the SI units so what's the problem?
 
roam said:
This equation doesn't take into acoount the number of turns in the coil
Remember that \Phi_B = \int_A B dA is the total flux, not just the magnetic field.

The flux will be the area times the number of loops, times the magnetic field.
 
zhermes said:
Remember that \Phi_B = \int_A B dA is the total flux, not just the magnetic field.

The flux will be the area times the number of loops, times the magnetic field.

so that flux is A.N.B, but we don't know what the magnetic field is, the only thing we are given is dB/dt.

\Phi_B=A \times N \time B= (0.5) (20) (\mu_0 \frac{N}{l} I)

this doesn't work because we don't know what I is (we're looking for I), do you see the problem?
 
roam said:
so that flux is A.N.B, but we don't know what the magnetic field is, the only thing we are given is dB/dt
You are given both the magnetic field, and the change in it. B_0 = 2T, B_1 = 6T, \Delta t = 2s


roam said:
\Phi_B=A \times N \time B= (0.5) (20) (\mu_0 \frac{N}{l} I)
Again, this is not the right equation.

\frac{d \Phi_B}{dt} = - \mathcal{E} = I R = \frac{d}{dt} A N B = A N \frac{dB}{dt}
You know everything except I.
 
zhermes said:
Again, this is not the right equation.

\frac{d \Phi_B}{dt} = - \mathcal{E} = I R = \frac{d}{dt} A N B = A N \frac{dB}{dt}
You know everything except I.

I used your equation

I R = \frac{d}{dt} A N B = A N \frac{dB}{dt}

I = \frac{2 \times 20 \times 0.5}{0.4} = 50

So if this is the correct equation, why I'm still not getting the right answer?
 
roam said:
I R = \frac{d}{dt} A N B = A N \frac{dB}{dt}

I = \frac{2 \times 20 \times 0.5}{0.4} = 50

So if this is the correct equation, why I'm still not getting the right answer?

50 square centimeters is not 0.5 square meters.
 

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