Calculating the magnitude of the electric field

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field magnitude resulting from a time-varying magnetic field described by B = Bmax sin(ωt) within a cylindrical region. For r < R, the correct expression for the electric field E is E = -[ωrBmax cos(ωt)]/2, incorporating Lenz's law. For r > R, the electric field is given by E = [ωR^2Bmax cos(ωt)]/2r. The calculations utilize the Maxwell-Faraday equation to derive these relationships, emphasizing the importance of the negative sign in accordance with Lenz's law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, particularly the Maxwell-Faraday equation.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic induction concepts.
  • Knowledge of sinusoidal functions and their derivatives.
  • Basic calculus for differentiation and integration.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Maxwell-Faraday equation in detail.
  • Learn about Lenz's law and its implications in electromagnetic induction.
  • Explore applications of Faraday's law in real-world scenarios.
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in various geometries, such as cylindrical and spherical coordinates.
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Students of electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in electrical engineering or applied physics who seeks to understand the relationship between changing magnetic fields and induced electric fields.

Barry Melby
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Homework Statement


A uniform magnetic field pointing in the positive z-direction fills a cylindrical volume of space of radius R whose central axis is the z axis. Outside this region, there is no magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field in changes with time as B = Bmax sin(ωt).

a. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r < R.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r>R.

Homework Equations


I'm not exactly sure which equations to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



a)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*r^2 (dB/dt)
E = r/2 (dB/dt)
E = [omega*r*Bmax(sin(omega*t))]/2

This however is incorrect. b)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*R^2 (dB/dt)
E = R^2/2r (dB/dt)
E = [omega*R^2*Bmax (cos(omega*t))]/2r

Which also appears to be incorrect. Where did I go wrong?
 
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The Maxwell-Faraday equation describes the electric fields arising from time-varying magnetic fields. It easily gives you the curl of E and the EMF around a loop at the given radius. I forget how one extracts the E vector from that but no doubt it is straightforward.
 
Barry Melby said:

Homework Statement


A uniform magnetic field pointing in the positive z-direction fills a cylindrical volume of space of radius R whose central axis is the z axis. Outside this region, there is no magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field in changes with time as B = Bmax sin(ωt).

a. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r < R.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r>R.

Homework Equations


I'm not exactly sure which equations to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



a)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*r^2 (dB/dt)
E = r/2 (dB/dt)
E = [omega*r*Bmax(sin(omega*t))]/2
Probably just a typo, but the sine should be a cosine. You're also missing a negative sign (Lenz's law).

This however is incorrect. b)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*R^2 (dB/dt)
E = R^2/2r (dB/dt)
E = [omega*R^2*Bmax (cos(omega*t))]/2r

Which also appears to be incorrect. Where did I go wrong?
 

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