Emf induced by swinging rod in magnetic field (I got 2 answers?)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the calculation of electromotive force (emf) induced by a swinging rod in a magnetic field. Participants clarify that the magnetic field's orientation relative to the rod's velocity affects the induced emf, noting that when the velocity is parallel to the magnetic field, the emf is zero. They explore the equations governing the motion of the pendulum and how to express the velocity components accurately, particularly in the vertical direction. There is a debate over the correct formulation of the position and velocity vectors, emphasizing the need for precise definitions to solve the problem effectively. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between angular displacement and the induced emf in this context.
unscientific
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Their answer assumes that the B-field is perpendicular to the velocity at all times, which is clearly not the case.

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And in the next part of the question, won't the answer be zero? since now velocity is parallel to B-field? (So rod is simply moving along the field)
 
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θyes, "in the next part of the question", since B and v are in the same direction the answer is zero volts.

I can understand what you tried to do better with your first go, even though the answer was wrong & was right in the second go.

So: r = R sin θ i ... never mind the j part, it's in line with B ...
For small angles, how can you simplify (approximate) this eq?

Then v = ?

Then do your emf = v x B * L

Finally, what is the equation for θ(t) for a simple pendulum?
 
rude man said:
θyes, "in the next part of the question", since B and v are in the same direction the answer is zero volts.

I can understand what you tried to do better with your first go, even though the answer was wrong & was right in the second go.

So: r = R sin θ i ... never mind the j part, it's in line with B ...
For small angles, how can you simplify (approximate) this eq?

Then v = ?

Then do your emf = v x B * L

Finally, what is the equation for θ(t) for a simple pendulum?

approx r = Rθ i

then v = R dθ/dt

ε = BR*(dθ/dt)

θ = θ0 cos(ω0t)
(dθ/dt) = θ0ω0 sin(ω0t)

okay it all works out now..thanks alot!

In my first part, I assumed (dθ/dt) = ω0 = 2∏/T which is wrong as (dθ/dt) is not constant.
 
Good work! Wish every OP was as sharp & interested as you.
 
rude man said:
Good work! Wish every OP was as sharp & interested as you.

However, I just realized that the last part indicated that an emf was induced (8mV)...How is that possible? Are they assuming the oscillations are not perpendicular to the B-field now?
 
unscientific said:
However, I just realized that the last part indicated that an emf was induced (8mV)...How is that possible? Are they assuming the oscillations are not perpendicular to the B-field now?

There is also a vertical component to v , right? I was looking at your expression for r and I don't think I agree with your j component. r is the vector going from the pendulum at rest to its position at an angle θ. So if θ = 0 then the j component of r is zero, not R as you have it.

This is the crux of the issue since once you get the j component of v right the rest is just repeating what you did before but with B = B i instead of B j . Let's work on getting v right.
 
rude man said:
There is also a vertical component to v , right? I was looking at your expression for r and I don't think I agree with your j component. r is the vector going from the pendulum at rest to its position at an angle θ. So if θ = 0 then the j component of r is zero, not R as you have it.

This is the crux of the issue since once you get the j component of v right the rest is just repeating what you did before but with B = B i instead of B j . Let's work on getting v right.

the origin is taken at the top of the swing, so at θ = 0, x = 0, y = -R as indicated.
 
unscientific said:
the origin is taken at the top of the swing, so at θ = 0, x = 0, y = -R as indicated.

OK, but we need to get the right expression for v in the y direction. I don't quite dig you expressions for r and then v = dr/dt. If you go with yours, v in the y direction approximates to
vy = R θ dθ/dt whereas I make it 2R θ dθ/dt. Factor of 2 off.

My way: origin at pendulum mass when θ = 0. Then for small θ, s = arc length = Rθ, x = s cosθ and y = s sinθ. So y = Rθ sinθ ~ R2θ and therefore vy = d/dt(Rθ2) = R d/dt(θ2) = 2Rθ dθ/dt.

We need to put this to bed, or you could proceed with the problem using your or my vy.

Anyway, after that it's just more of the same as before, using the expression for θ(t) for a simple pendulum.
 
rude man said:
origin at pendulum mass when θ = 0. Then for small θ, s = arc length = Rθ, x = s cosθ and y = s sinθ.
At angle θ, the vertical displacement is R(1-cos(θ)) ≈ Rθ2/2.
 
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Haruspex looks like he has it right, so we go with your expression for v_y = R*theta d(theta)/dt.
 
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