Current carrying bar in a magnetic field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a current-carrying bar sliding over conducting rails in a magnetic field. The bar has a length of 20 cm, a resistance of 0.08 Ω, and is connected to a DC generator producing an emf of 6 V. Key calculations include determining the current flowing in the circuit, the induced electromotive force, and the limiting speed of the mass attached to the bar. The problem also explores the effects of changing the bar's resistance on the limiting speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromotive force (emf) and induced emf
  • Knowledge of magnetic forces on current-carrying conductors
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic circuit analysis, including Ohm's law
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the current in a circuit with varying resistance using Ohm's law
  • Explore the principles of electromagnetic induction and Lenz's law
  • Learn about the motion of objects in magnetic fields and the forces acting on them
  • Investigate the relationship between induced emf and magnetic flux changes
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of current-carrying conductors in magnetic fields.

BOAS
Messages
546
Reaction score
19
Hello,

I am having trouble seeing what is going on here and would really appreciate a discussion about the situation.

1. Homework Statement

A bar of length ##L = 20 cm## and negliglible mass can slide over two conducting rails connected to a dc generator producing an emf ##V_0 = 6 V##, connected so as to produce a current as in the figure. The resistance of the bar is ##R = 0.08 Ω##, all other parts having negligible resistance. The bar is connected through a pulley to a body of mass ##m = 1.2 kg## (see figure attached). The system is immersed in a uniform magnetic field orthogonal to the rails, as in the figure, whose magnitude is ##B = 1 T##. The system is designed in such a way that, after a while, the body is pulled upward with a constant limiting speed of magnitude ##v_∞##. Compute, when the limiting speed is reached:

(a) the current flowing in the circuit;

(b) the magnitude ##\mathcal{E}## of the induced electromotive force;

(c) the magnitude v∞ of the limiting speed.

(d) Compute the value ##R_0## of the resistance of the bar corresponding to which the body does not move at all.

(e) The sliding bar is replaced with another bar having resistance ##R = 2R_0##, with ##R_0## the resistance computed in part (d). What is the numerical value of the limiting speed ##v_∞## in this case?

(f) Let us consider again the case ##R = 2R0##. Using the equation of motion for the mass ##m## and the equation for the current ##I##, determine the velocity ##v(t)## of the mass ##m##, assumed to be initially at rest. Express your answer in terms of ##v_∞## and ##g##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The fact that the mass is moving upwards is really confusing me.

The weight attached to the pulley is acting to pull the bar towards the right.
The magnetic force on the current carrying bar acts to pull the bar to the left.
The fact that the bar is moving tells us that an EMF is induced that opposes this motion.

I think what I have is this ##(I_1 - I_2)LB = mg##, where ##I_1## is the current due to the battery and ##I_2## is due to the induced emf. The forces are equal due to no acceleration.

This suggests that a current flows with magnitude ##I = \frac{mg}{LB}## anticlockwise.

I haven't really managed to convince myself of this, so i'd really appreciate some help.

Thank you.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
BOAS said:
This suggests that a current flows with magnitude I=mgLBI = \frac{mg}{LB} anticlockwise.
Yes, calculate I.

Now, I = ( V0 - ε ) / R

and

ε = dψ/dt , where ψ is the flux through the closed loop ( number of turns = 1 ).
 

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K