Gauss' gun/magnetic linear accelerator

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force exerted on a ball bearing by a magnetic field in a Gauss gun, specifically addressing the potential energy at varying distances from the magnet. The participants emphasize the complexity of this problem, suggesting that dimensional analysis can provide an order of magnitude estimate, but accurate prefactor determination requires extensive simulation work. Additionally, the impact of temperature on acceleration is noted, with a query about the threshold temperature at which this effect becomes significant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss guns and magnetic linear accelerators
  • Familiarity with dimensional analysis in physics
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and forces
  • Experience with simulation tools for physics experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for calculating magnetic force on objects in a Gauss gun
  • Explore the effects of temperature on magnetic acceleration
  • Learn about simulation software suitable for modeling magnetic fields
  • Investigate experimental techniques for measuring force and energy in magnetic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting physics experiments, particularly those involved in extended essays or projects related to magnetic accelerators, as well as educators and hobbyists interested in the practical applications of Gauss guns.

daisy3110
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Hi,
I'm currently doing my extended essay for the IB in physics and I'm basing mine around the Gauss gun (similar post that explains it really well here https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...celerator-magnetic-linear-accelerator.320389/). What I was wondering was how I would calculate a value for the force on the ball bearing due to the magnetic field and/or the potential energy of the ball bearing at varying distances from the magnet?

I was also really interested by the suggestion in the above post about the effect of temperature on the acceleration - does anyone know at what temperature this effect may be noticeable? Using school equipment the range of temperatures will be quite limited!

I would be really grateful for any advice.
 
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For small distances (and you need those), this is a very complicated problem. Dimensional analysis will give some order of magnitude estimate, but getting the prefactor right will need a lot of simulation work, probably beyond the scope of this project. You can make measurements.
 

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