Calculating Permeability of Free Space with Ampere's Law: B-Field Lab Help

In summary: TIn summary, the magnetic field lab asked if an exponential curve made sense for measuring magnetic field and found that it did not. They then tried to calculate the value of u and got stuck because they did not remember their log rules. They used a software to measure the B-field and found that the magnetic field averaged at 0.097mT.
  • #1
cukitas2001
63
0
Hello all,
Im trying to do this magnetic field lab and am having trouble with the very last question. It goes: "Assuming the equation (Ampere's Law: B=unI) applies for the solenoid, calculate the value and uncertainty of u (permeability of free space) using the graph of B vs. n.

In this part of the experiment we had a constant current through a slinky and measured the magnetic field as we changed the number of turns of the slinky.

I made my graph os B vs. n and it has a exponential looking relationship so i chose that as my trendline in Excel. Is this correct of should it have been a Power trendline? I chose exponential since it fits the data better.

The equation of my exponential trendline was y=18.473e^(15.161x)

so n is y and x is b and the rest of the garbage there is u and I. If i could only isolate the u and I...what i tried was multiplying both side by ln but i got stuck becasue i don't remember my log rules :-(. What i have right now is ln(n)=15.161x*2.91631. Am i on the right track? i also have the table of values and graph of this if it would help any.
 
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  • #2
Look at the provided equation ([tex]B = \mu n I[/tex]) and look at your data. Does an exponential curve make sense? (Hint: Find the theoretical slope of a graph of B versus n from the equation.)
 
  • #3
Well i was thinking that exponential made sense since u is 4pi*10^-7 in the equation. The slope of this would be from the moving around the equation to [tex]n=\frac{1}{\mu*I}*B[/tex] right? since the graph was B vs. n then the slope would be the 1/uI?
 
  • #4
No, just because u is expressed in scientific notation, that doesn't suggest that the curve should be an exponential. u is a constant.

If you did not get a linear relationship between B and n, then my guess would be that the current in the solenoid was not constant. How did you set that constant current? Also, the equation B=unI carries with it some assumptions -- what are those assumptions, and how might those assumptions have been violated a bit in your experiment?


EDIT -- And BTW, how were you measuring the B field?
 
  • #5
The current was kept constant at 1.5A. We were using a LoggerPro software and a Vernier Magnetic Field Sensor to measure the B-field. To alter the turns/meter we would disconnect the circuit and reconnect it at a shorter length of the Slinky. Might assumption be effected by crappy resources in the physics lab? (Confused):shy:
 
  • #6
More likely the limitations of the formula that you were using. When that formula is given in a textbook or other source, they usually say that it is for a _________ solenoid? What effects would using a non-________ solenoid have?
 
  • #7
ideal...but to vary this much isn't it weird? Any suggestions on what i should do for calculating u from my graph?
 
  • #8
No, not just "ideal". Ideal in what way? And what were the dimensions of your Slinky as you varied from max to min length. And when you calculate the value of [tex]\mu[/tex] what do you think its relationship with [tex]\mu_0[/tex] should be?
 
  • #9
The length of the solenoid (Slinky) was 0.83meters and the number of turns in said length was 70 so the turns/meter were 84.3

In a length of 0.83m the magnetic field averaged at 0.097mT
0.70m 0.113mT
0.60m 0.130mT
0.50m 0.135mT
0.40m 0.140mT

u and u_0 should be related by some constant of propotionality no?
 
  • #10
cukitas2001 said:
The length of the solenoid (Slinky) was 0.83meters and the number of turns in said length was 70 so the turns/meter were 84.3

In a length of 0.83m the magnetic field averaged at 0.097mT
0.70m 0.113mT
0.60m 0.130mT
0.50m 0.135mT
0.40m 0.140mT

What was the diameter of the Slinky again (sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread)? What percentage of the length of the Slinky is it? What happens to the simplified formula for B(n) as that percentage changes?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoids#Derivation_of_magnetic_field_around_a_long_solenoid

BTW, did you insert the probe into the middle of the solenoid for each number n?

cukitas2001 said:
u and u_0 should be related by some constant of propotionality no?


Correct. The ratio is usually denoted as [tex]\mu_R[/tex] . What is the value of [tex]\mu_R[/tex] for the lab environment that you were performing the experiment in?
 
  • #11
The TA had made the impression that this was a very simple lab so things didnt get as complicated as finding constant of proportionality according to conditions or having to worrying about diameter or percentages. And yes the magnetic field probe was placed in the center of the solenoid to measure the b-field
 

1. What is a B-Field Lab?

A B-Field Lab is an experiment that investigates the behavior of charged particles in a magnetic field. It involves measuring the strength and direction of the magnetic field and observing the motion of charged particles in the presence of the field.

2. Why is a B-Field Lab important?

A B-Field Lab is important because it helps us understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and the role of magnetic fields in the natural world. It also has practical applications in areas such as particle accelerators, medical imaging, and electric motors.

3. What materials are needed for a B-Field Lab?

The materials needed for a B-Field Lab typically include a magnet, a source of electricity, a compass, and charged particles such as electrons. Other materials that may be used include wires, coils, and magnets of different sizes and strengths.

4. How do you set up a B-Field Lab?

To set up a B-Field Lab, you will need to create a magnetic field using a magnet and a source of electricity. This can be done by placing the magnet near a wire carrying an electrical current. Then, place the compass near the magnet to determine the direction of the magnetic field. Finally, introduce charged particles into the field and observe their motion.

5. What are some potential sources of error in a B-Field Lab?

Some potential sources of error in a B-Field Lab include inaccurate measurements of the magnetic field strength, interference from external magnetic fields, and variations in the motion of the charged particles due to factors such as air resistance or imperfections in the setup. It is important to carefully control and calibrate all variables in order to reduce these sources of error.

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