Electrodynamics (Lorentz to Faraday)

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the application of the Lorentz Force in electrodynamics, specifically regarding the work done on a unit charge when a wire is pulled through a magnetic field (B-field). The user derives the force per unit charge as f(pull) = vB and attempts to calculate the work done using both vertical and horizontal components. The user identifies a discrepancy in their calculations, realizing they are off by a factor of √2, which relates to the relationship between the velocities u and v in the context of the angle θ. The discussion highlights the importance of correctly applying vector components in electrodynamic calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Lorentz Force and its mathematical representation
  • Familiarity with vector calculus and integration techniques
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their interaction with moving charges
  • Basic principles of electrodynamics and work-energy concepts
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  • Study the derivation of the Lorentz Force in detail
  • Learn about vector components in electrodynamics
  • Explore the relationship between velocity components in magnetic fields
  • Review examples of work done on charges in magnetic fields
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electrodynamics, electrical engineers, and anyone studying the interactions between magnetic fields and electric currents.

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Electrodynamics (Lorentz Force & Voltage) [edited]

Two part inquiry


PART I


Situation: I have a B-field and I'm pulling a straight piece of wire through that B-field


kjYe0tL.png


You pull the wire perpendicularly through the B-field at velocity v; charges between points a and b will experience the Lorentz Force and will begin to move along the wire with velocity u, and thus will experience a force opposite to the direction which you are pulling the wire.



Goal: Trying to derive the work done on a unit charge the classical way (by integrating along the path it takes)


Let us define the force per unit q to pull the wire through the field: f(pull)[itex]\equiv[/itex]uB


$$\int f_{pull} \cdot dl = (uB) \frac{y}{cosθ}sinθ= vBhy$$



Problem: The vector f(pull) should be pointing outward (opposite the direction of wire pulling). so then shouldn't there be a negative sign somewhere?

--------------------


PART II


I decided to try and derive it my own way and i ran into a problem somewhere but i can't seem to spot where it is.


I said that, there is a vertical work component and a horizontal work component.

vertical work component

(From the initial pull)

$$W_y= \int (q\vec{v} \times \vec{B}) \cdot dy = (qvB)y= qvBy$$


horizontal work component

$$W_x= \int (q\vec{u} \times \vec{B}) \cdot dx = quBx =quBytanθ$$


vectorial sum

(yes i know work is a scalar quantity. but there is a work in x direction and work in the y direction so i thought i'd try this approach)

$$W= \sqrt{(qvBy)^2+(quBytanθ)2}= qBy\sqrt{v^2+u^2tan^2θ}$$

but since utanθ=v

$$W=qBy\sqrt{2v^2}=\sqrt{2}qvBy$$

i'm off by a factor of [itex]\sqrt{2}[/itex]


Could someone please help me find the mistake in doing it this way?


help is much appreciated. ty all!
 
Last edited:
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Notice that on the left hand side is ##u\tan(\theta)## and on the right hand side is ##v##. So it must be that ##u\tan(\theta)=v##. Look at figure 7.11 to see why this might be
 
Matterwave said:
Notice that on the left hand side is ##u\tan(\theta)## and on the right hand side is ##v##. So it must be that ##u\tan(\theta)=v##. Look at figure 7.11 to see why this might be


yeah i actually caught that right after i posted it. I'm actually now stuck with a different set of questions.

but thanks!
 

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