Finding Distance Using a Fuse, Current & Magnetic Field

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the distance a particle travels when accelerated by electromagnetic forces in a setup involving two parallel wires and a conducting fuse. The magnetic field is specified as 4.7 T, with a current of 7.2 A flowing through the wires, and the distance between the wires is 0.48 meters. The particle is shot from a point 0.7 meters above the fuse and starts from rest with uniform acceleration. The conclusion emphasizes that without external forces, a particle would theoretically travel indefinitely due to inertia, indicating a misunderstanding of the question posed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically the Lorentz force.
  • Familiarity with kinematics, particularly equations of motion under uniform acceleration.
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their effects on charged particles.
  • Basic principles of railgun operation and electromagnetic propulsion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Lorentz force equation and its application in electromagnetic systems.
  • Learn about kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion.
  • Research the principles of railgun technology and how they utilize magnetic fields.
  • Explore the effects of external forces on particle motion in electromagnetic fields.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetic propulsion and particle dynamics in magnetic fields.

bubbaburp
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello. I want to help a friend solve a problem. I'm having trouble finding the right way to solve for distance for this problem. I am given 2 parallel wires connected by another wire or perhaps a conducting fuse. His information is kind of vague, sorry. The current goes up one of the wires through the fuse and down the other wire. The magnetic field B is in the k (z)-direction and has a value of 4.7 T. The current is 7.2 A. The distance between the two wires is 0.48 meters. The distance from the fuse up to where the particle is shot out is 0.7 meters. How the heck do you find the distance the particle travels out if it starts out initially at rest, and the acceleration is uniform?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


This question makes no sense to me. Rail guns don't shoot out electrons. They use electromagnetic forces to shoot out objects. And you ask how far does a particle travel that is accelerated and shot out; the answer is that is travels an infinite distance due to inertia unless acted upon by some force. But I have a feeling that you are trying to ask something else and don't know what words to use.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Resulting magnetic field due to the passage of an AC current
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Graduate Conservation of Energy on Current-Carrying Wire in Magnetic Field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Behaviour of Magnetic Fields Underwater
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Calculating Magnetic field strength of a magnet
  • · Replies 198 ·
7
Replies
198
Views
16K
Undergrad Average Magnetic Field Between 2 Conducting Rods
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Graduate Magnetic field created by a current carrying wire
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad Faraday induction in constant B field, with non-conduction wires
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Iron core barely boosting field strength
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
7K
High School When Can We Use the Right Hand Rule to Find Magnetic Field Direction?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Pushing a rod in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K