Difference in formulas of magnetic force and magnetic flux

In summary, the magnetic force is defined as ## \rm F_e = Bqvsin\theta## and the magnetic flux is defined as ##\rm \phi = BAcos\theta##. These equations are used for different applications, with the first one representing the force on a moving charge and the second one representing the amount of flux threading a loop. The reason for using different trigonometric functions is because they correspond to different orientations of the loop in the magnetic field. When the loop is side-on to the field, the flux is zero and the maximum force is exerted on the charges, while when the loop is perpendicular to the field, the maximum flux threads the loop and there is little to no force on the charges.
  • #1
Faiq
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The magnetic force is defined as ## \rm F_e = Bqvsin\theta## and the magentic flux is defined as## \rm \phi = BAcos\theta##
My question is since we are multiplying the two vectors, why is ##sin\theta## used in one equation and ##cos\theta## in second given that ##\theta## is the angle between the two vectors?
 
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  • #2
Faiq said:
The magnetic force is defined as ## \rm F_e = Bqvsin\theta## and the magentic flux is defined as## \rm \phi = BAcos\theta##
My question is since we are multiplying the two vectors, why is ##sin\theta## used in one equation and ##cos\theta## in second given that ##\theta## is the angle between the two vectors?
Can you say more about where you got those equations? What geometries are they for?
 
  • #4
Faiq said:
The magnetic force is defined as ## \rm F_e = Bqvsin\theta## and the magentic flux is defined as## \rm \phi = BAcos\theta##
My question is since we are multiplying the two vectors, why is ##sin\theta## used in one equation and ##cos\theta## in second given that ##\theta## is the angle between the two vectors?
One is the force on a moving charge, one is the amount of flux threading a loop - not sure why you expect then to both have the same sin-cos function.
The application where both "formulas" come together is when you have a loop spinning in a magnetic field.
You can work out the expected current in the loop by considering the change in flux through the loop, or the force on each of the charges in the wire of the loop as it moves.
(A square loop with (rather than a circular one) is easier to conceptualise using the moving charges method - but using the flux change method any shape loop will do.)
According to the first formula, the maximum driving force on the charges occurs when they are moving perpendicular to the field - which occurs when the loop is "side-on" to the field and the electrons in the side wires are moving at right angles to the field as the loop rotates.
In that situation, the flux threading the loop is zero.
So the angle used wants a maximum for one "formula" and a minimum for the other. The sin and cos functions achieve that.
(note: when the loop is side-on, the slightest rotation causes a (relatively) large change to the amount of flux that can thread the loop - so the "rate of change of flux" method will be returning maximum current induced in the loop at that time as well.
When the loop is perpendicular to the field (square on), maximum flux threads the loop, but small rotations hardly change that amount, so little or no current is induced by rotation at that point. At that time, the electrons in the side wires are moving parallel to the field, so little to no force on them is created.
Using degrees for ease of input to your calculator, find cos 0 - cos 1 (that's cos zero minus cos one) and compare it to cos 89 - cos 90. That will give you the relative sizes of change in flux for a 1 degree change in rotational position in the side-on, square-on positions.
 
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1. What is the difference between magnetic force and magnetic flux?

Magnetic force refers to the attraction or repulsion between two magnetic objects, while magnetic flux is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field through a given area. In other words, magnetic force is the cause of magnetic flux.

2. How are the formulas for magnetic force and magnetic flux different?

The formula for magnetic force is F = qvBsinθ, where q is the charge of the object, v is the velocity, B is the magnetic field, and θ is the angle between the velocity and the magnetic field. The formula for magnetic flux is Φ = BAcosθ, where B is the magnetic field and A is the area through which the magnetic field passes.

3. Can you explain the relationship between magnetic force and magnetic flux?

The relationship between magnetic force and magnetic flux is described by the formula F = ΦI, where F is the magnetic force, Φ is the magnetic flux, and I is the current flowing through the magnetic field. This relationship is known as Ampere's Law.

4. How do changes in magnetic field affect the formulas for magnetic force and magnetic flux?

If the magnetic field remains constant, the formulas for magnetic force and magnetic flux will also remain constant. However, if the magnetic field changes, the formulas will also change. For example, an increase in magnetic field strength will result in an increase in magnetic force and magnetic flux.

5. Are there any real-world applications of these formulas?

Yes, these formulas are used in various real-world applications, such as electric motors, generators, MRI machines, and particle accelerators. They are also used in everyday devices such as speakers, headphones, and credit cards that use magnetic strips.

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