How Does Induced EMF Affect the Polarity of a Spinning Bicycle Wheel?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a student experimenting with a bicycle wheel to understand the effects of induced electromotive force (e.m.f.) on the polarity of the wheel's spokes when spun in a magnetic field. The context involves the interaction between the wheel's motion and the Earth's magnetic field, which is oriented horizontally.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Lenz's Law and Faraday's Law in determining the direction of induced e.m.f. Some express uncertainty about the correct use of these laws and the implications for the spokes' motion and resulting polarity.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the laws governing electromagnetic induction. Some guidance has been offered regarding the laws to consider, but there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the absence of a diagram, which may be crucial for understanding the problem setup. There is also a mention of urgency in finding a solution, indicating the time-sensitive nature of the homework assignment.

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Homework Statement


A student is experimenting with a bicycle wheel. He turns the bicycle upside down and spins the wheel in a vertical plane at a constant rate. The diagram shows the wheel. At the place where the experiment is performed, the Earth‟s magnetic field is in a horizontal direction. It acts into and perpendicular to the paper.

A constant e.m.f. is induced across the length of each spoke.
(i) Label the hub and rim either plus or minus to show the polarity of the e.m.f.

The figure shows a wheel with the direction of motion clockwise. The hub is the center and the rim are the outerpart


Homework Equations


Lenz's Law


The Attempt at a Solution


Well, in this problem, it is said that the magnetic field lines point inside the paper. So if this is cut, it tries to oppose it... Hence, magnetic field lines should be outside. We should use flemings right hand rule but i have no idea about what would be the new direction of the spokes of the wheel (i.e the motion) and indeed upon that i don't know the direction of E.M.F... I need help urgently.. Thanks!
 
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You didn't post the diagram.
Lentz's law isn't the appropriate one. You need to use Faradays law: "change in magnetic flux induces a current"(tries to oppose the change in magnetic flux according to lenz law)
So it induces an EMF which should result in an opposing magnetic flux.
So Lenz's law only gives a hint of the direction.
 

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