Calculating Self and Mutual Inductance: A Derivation of Formulas Using Solenoids

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving formulas for self and mutual inductance using solenoids. The key equations include the magnetic field inside a solenoid, derived using Ampere's law, which leads to the expressions for self inductance (S = N1²μA/L) and mutual inductance (M = N1N2μA/L). Participants clarify the integration path for calculating the magnetic field and confirm the correctness of the derivations for parts b) and c). The derivation process is highlighted as essential for understanding the underlying principles, with participants expressing appreciation for the clarity it brings. Overall, the derivations and formulas are validated and deemed correct.
toothpaste666
Messages
516
Reaction score
20

Homework Statement


problem 5.png

Homework Equations

[/B]

∫BdL = μi

Φ = BA (flux)

S= NΦ/i (self inductance)

M = NΦ/i (mutual inductance)

The Attempt at a Solution



a) ∫BdL = μi
BL = μi
B = μi/L
since the solenoid has N1 turns
B = μiN1/L

b) flux Φ = BA = AμiN1/L
self inductance S = N1Φ/i = N1(AμiN1/L)/i = N1^2μA/L

c) mutual inductance M = N2Φ/i = N1N2μA/L
 
Physics news on Phys.org
toothpaste666 said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 83108

Homework Equations

[/B]

∫BdL = μi

Φ = BA (flux)

S= NΦ/i (self inductance)

M = NΦ/i (mutual inductance)

The Attempt at a Solution



a) ∫BdL = μi
BL = μi
B = μi/L
since the solenoid has N1 turns
B = μiN1/L

If i is the current flowing in the wire of the coil, the formula ∫BdL = μi is not correct. You need to show or explain the integration path .
 
  • Like
Likes toothpaste666
For part a), I would assume ##\vec B## is uniform within the solenoid and zero outside of it. If you place a rectangular Amperian loop ##\partial \Sigma## with corners ##a, b, c, d## along a cross section of this ideal solenoid, the left side of Ampere's law will give:

$$\oint_{\partial \Sigma} \vec B \cdot d \vec S = \int_a^b \vec B \cdot d \vec S + \int_b^c \vec B \cdot d \vec S + \int_c^d \vec B \cdot d \vec S + \int_d^a \vec B \cdot d \vec S$$

The first integral yields:

$$\int_a^b \vec B \cdot d \vec S = B \int_a^b dS = BL$$

Where ##B = |\vec B|## and ##L## is the length of ##\partial \Sigma## from ##a## to ##b##.

The third integral is taken along a segment of ##\partial \Sigma##, which lies outside of the solenoid. The magnetic field outside the solenoid is zero, hence the integral is zero.

The second and fourth integrals work out to zero because ##\vec B## is either orthogonal to ##d \vec S##, or is equal to zero outside of the solenoid.

Hence we can write:

$$\oint_{\partial \Sigma} \vec B \cdot d \vec S = BL$$

Now using the right side of Ampere's law:

$$BL = \mu_0 i_{enc}$$

The loop ##\partial \Sigma## encloses ##nL## turns where ##n## is the number of turns per unit length of the solenoid. Using this, the enclosed current can be re-written as:

$$i_{enc} = inL$$

Where ##i## is the actual current in the solenoid windings. Hence we can write:

$$BL = \mu_0 inL$$
$$B = \mu_0 in$$
$$B = \mu_0 iN_1$$

This is the magnetic field inside the solenoid.
 
  • Like
Likes toothpaste666
Zondrina said:
$$B = \mu_0 iN_1/L$$

This is the magnetic field inside the solenoid.
 
  • Like
Likes toothpaste666
Thank you that derivation helped alot. I knew the formula from my book but the derivation of it confused me.

so its
BL = μienc
since ienc = iN1
so
BL = μiN1
B =μiN1/L

Are parts b) and c) ok? I am pretty sure I did part b) right but I am not as confident about part c)
 
toothpaste666 said:
Thank you that derivation helped alot. I knew the formula from my book but the derivation of it confused me.

so its
BL = μienc
since ienc = iN1
so
BL = μiN1
B =μiN1/L

Are parts b) and c) ok? I am pretty sure I did part b) right but I am not as confident about part c)
Right on all counts incl. parts b and c!
 
  • Like
Likes toothpaste666
Thank you all
 
I always preferred the turns/length version of the derivation, but there is little difference in the final formulas.

Everything else looked good otherwise.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K