Electromagnetic Induction in a moving DC circuit

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around electromagnetic induction in a moving direct current (DC) circuit, specifically focusing on whether the physical movement of a current-carrying conductor can induce an electromotive force (emf) due to variations in the magnetic field it generates.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions if moving a DC circuit conductor would lead to a self-induced emf due to changes in the magnetic field around it. Other participants seek to clarify the nature of the question and the implications of the magnetic field associated with the conductor's motion.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights suggesting that the magnetic field moves with the conductor, indicating that self-induction does not occur in this scenario. Others have introduced examples involving coils and inductors to illustrate conditions under which self-induced emf can arise.

Contextual Notes

Participants are exploring the implications of the magnetic field generated by a steady current and the effects of physical movement on electromagnetic induction, while also addressing potential misconceptions about the nature of magnetic fields in motion.

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Consider a closed electric circuit consisting of a conducting straight rod connected to a DC voltage source switched on. In steady state the current flowing through the conductor creates a steady magnetic field around it with magnetic flux lines that can be represented as concentric circles "gripping" around the conductor.

My doubt is that if this conductor (or the entire circuit system) is physically moved randomly about, won't there be a variation in the magnetic field around the conductor (although the source of this magnetic field is the current through the conductor itself)? And, if yes, won't this variation in magnetic field around the conductor self induce an emf in the conductor itself (a case of electromagnetic induction)?
 
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What is the question in the problem statement that you are being asked to answer.
 
JBA said:
What is the question in the problem statement that you are being asked to answer.
Will the physical movement of a dc current carrying conductor cause a self induced emf, when the only magnetic field present is that due to the current in the conductor?
 
Sorry to have pushed for more information; but, it appeared to be a far too simple question not have more to it than it did.

The answer is "no" because, as you surmised the magnetic field travels with the wire.
 
Apply the right hand rule and you will see that the magnetic lines don't cross the wire in any other point.(there will be no self induction). However, if u make a coil and u apply that rule again, u will see that the magnetic field lines cross the rest of the coil windings. In cases like that, when talking about dirrect current, there will be self induced emf in the moments when the voltage is given and when its taken away. Thats also how inductors work. When u apply voltage they create magnetic field and when u remove the voltage the field collapses, inducing emf on the coil and that emf creates current that opposes the lowering of the supply voltage( the inductor stores energy in its magnetic field)
 

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