How to Calculate Magnetic Flux Through a Desk?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic flux through a desk surface measuring 4.3 m by 2.0 m in the presence of Earth's magnetic field, which is stated to be 0.32 mT at a 45° angle below the horizontal. The formula used for magnetic flux is Flux = B*A*Cos(a), where B is the magnetic field strength, A is the area, and a is the angle. The initial calculation yielded a flux of 0.00194596 T·m², but participants noted a potential error in the magnetic field strength, suggesting it should be between 0.03 mT and 0.06 mT for Earth.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic flux and its formula: Flux = B*A*Cos(a)
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometry, specifically the cosine function
  • Familiarity with units of measurement, particularly Tesla (T) and square meters (m²)
  • Awareness of Earth's magnetic field strength variations
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  • Research the correct range of Earth's magnetic field strength in different locations
  • Study the implications of angle in magnetic flux calculations
  • Learn about the significance of units in physics, particularly in electromagnetism
  • Explore practical applications of magnetic flux in engineering and physics
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and professionals involved in engineering applications related to magnetic fields.

mrlucky0
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Homework Statement



A horizontal desk surface measures 4.3 m by 2.0 m. If the Earth's magnetic field has magnitude 0.32 mT and is directed 45° below the horizontal, what is the magnetic flux through the desk surface?

Homework Equations



Flux = B*A*Cos(a)

Where A is the area, B is the magnetic field,

The Attempt at a Solution



Flux = B*A*Cos(a)
= (.32E-3 T) * (4.3*2.0 m^2) * ( Cos(45) )
= 0.00194596 T*m

However, the my solution isn't correct and I'm convinced that I'm not doing anything incorrectly.
 
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mrlucky0 said:

The Attempt at a Solution



Flux = B*A*Cos(a)
= (.32E-3 T) * (4.3*2.0 m^2) * ( Cos(45) )
= 0.00194596 T*m

I don't see anything wrong with your calculation either (other than that the units of flux should be T·(m^2).

I am a bit troubled by the value given for the magnetic field strength. For Earth, this value should be more like 30-60 microteslas or 0.03-0.06 mT. Are you sure about the location of the decimal point in the problem?
 

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