Can electromagnetic induction occur in a single straight wire?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of electromagnetic induction occurring in a single straight wire when subjected to a changing magnetic field. Participants explore the conditions under which induction might happen, particularly in relation to established principles seen in coils and solenoids.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electromagnetic induction can occur in a single straight wire by changing the magnetic field that crosses it, seeking a formula analogous to that used for solenoids.
  • Another participant suggests that if a current-carrying wire is placed in an external magnetic field, the field can cause charge separation, leading to a Hall voltage, and relates this to the Lorentz force and electrical force.
  • A participant reiterates the original question about inducing current in a straight wire by changing the magnetic field, emphasizing the closed circuit condition.
  • Another participant provides examples, such as using a square loop of wire with a solenoid or moving a bar magnet near a straight wire, to illustrate scenarios where induction could occur.
  • One participant clarifies their inquiry about moving a bar magnet toward and away from a straight wire, questioning if this would induce voltage and current in a closed circuit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions necessary for electromagnetic induction in a straight wire, with no consensus reached on whether it can occur under the specified circumstances.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference established formulas and principles related to electromagnetic induction, but there are unresolved aspects regarding the application of these principles to a single straight wire versus more complex geometries.

brainyman89
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we have studied electromagnetic induction that takes place in coils, solenoids, or wires forming geometrical shape, but my question is can electromagnetic induction occur in a single straight wire by changing B the magnetic field that crosses the wire? would there be electromagnetic flux and what is its formula that could be equivalent to this formula that is in case of a solenoid: Φ=NBScos(n,B)
 
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Yes , if we put a current carrying wire in an external B field, this B field would push the moving electrons to one side of the wire and we would get an E field inside the wire from the charge separation and this is called a hall-voltage .
You could find the voltage by relating the Lorentz force to the electrical force .
qvB=qE and Voltage=Ed
v=drift velocity of the electrons.
vB=V/d
reference: Physics by knight page 1023
 
Last edited:
we have studied electromagnetic induction that takes place in coils, solenoids, or wires forming geometrical shape, but my question is can electromagnetic induction occur in a single straight wire by changing B the magnetic field that crosses the wire? would there be electromagnetic flux and what is its formula that could be equivalent to this formula that is in case of a solenoid: Φ=NBScos(n,B)

we used to create induce current(case of closed circuit) by changing the magnetic field in a solenoid or a geometrical shape, but what i meant to ask is that can we create an induced current through a single straight wire by changing B(the magnetic field)? sure the circuit is closed but i am changing B on one single straight wire of the circuit.
 
Are you asking if i have a square loop of wire and then let's say i put a solenoid in the middle and then raise the B field inside with that induce current in the wire loop. Then yes it would induce current. Or let's say I drop a bar magnet next to a straight piece of wire, it would cause electrons to move in the wire. Or if i had a superconducting wire and i placed it in a B field, it would generate surface currents to cancel the B field inside the superconductor.
 
what i meant to ask is the following: If I start moving a bar magnet toward and away a straight piece of single wire, would i induce a voltage, thus inducing a current in case of a closed circuit? would there be electromagnetic flux and what is its formula that could be equivalent to this formula that is in case of a solenoid: Φ=NBScos(n,B)

thanks for answering
 

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