Integral of voltage time means?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the integral of voltage over time in the context of a physics experiment involving induced voltage in a coil when a magnet falls through it. Participants are exploring the relationship between the calculated magnetic flux and its physical meaning.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand whether the calculated flux value represents average or total flux over a specific time interval. They express confusion about the physical significance of the magnetic flux compared to other integrals, such as distance from a velocity-time graph.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered insights related to Faraday's law and the relationship between induced voltage and magnetic flux. The conversation is ongoing, with participants questioning the clarity of the original poster's inquiry and seeking to refine their understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of adhering to posting guidelines and clarity in questions. There is an acknowledgment of the need for a deeper understanding of the definitions and implications of magnetic flux in the context of the experiment.

almaand
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Homework Statement


Hi! In my physics class we've been doing this classical experiment where we measured the induced voltage in a coil when letting a magnet fall through it using a PASCO system. Now I understand perfectly fine most of the theory behind this, and understood how to calculate the magnetic flux (the integral of the area under the voltage-time graph). But what I'd just can't get my head around is exactly what that number tells me? From time t to time t+h the flux was about 0.586? Is this the average flux during this time or the total flux? Thank you for helping me with my stupid question!
 
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almaand said:

Homework Statement


Hi! In my physics class we've been doing this classical experiment where we measured the induced voltage in a coil when letting a magnet fall through it using a PASCO system. Now I understand perfectly fine most of the theory behind this, and understood how to calculate the magnetic flux (the integral of the area under the voltage-time graph). But what I'd just can't get my head around is exactly what that number tells me? From time t to time t+h the flux was about 0.586? Is this the average flux during this time or the total flux? Thank you for helping me with my stupid question!
Welcome to PF!

I am sure it is not a stupid question, but it is not a very clear one. You have to follow the rules for posting your question and follow the template.

I expect that the graph of induced voltage vs. time tells you something about the rate of change of flux. This derives from Faraday's law:

EMF_{induced} = \oint \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s} = \frac{d\phi}{dt}

so:

\int (\oint \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}) dt = \int d\phi = \phiAM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Welcome to PF!

I am sure it is not a stupid question, but it is not a very clear one. You have to follow the rules for posting your question and follow the template.

I expect that the graph of induced voltage vs. time tells you something about the rate of change of flux. This derives from Faraday's law:

EMF_{induced} = \oint \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s} = \frac{d\phi}{dt}

so:

\int (\oint \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}) dt = \int d\phi = \phi


AM

Oh sorry, I'm going to read them through again and remember to be more clear next time! And thank you for your answer!

As for the question; what I've done is that I've calculated the area below the voltage time graph and also divided the value by the amounts of turns and thus I should have the magnetic flux. Since:

V = -N*dø/dt --> -V/N = dø/dt

But this value of magnetic flux, what is it. Like if it had been a velocity-time graph the area would have represented how far I would had come. But in this case what does the value of magnetic flux represent?
 
almaand said:
Oh sorry, I'm going to read them through again and remember to be more clear next time! And thank you for your answer!

As for the question; what I've done is that I've calculated the area below the voltage time graph and also divided the value by the amounts of turns and thus I should have the magnetic flux. Since:

V = -N*dø/dt --> -V/N = dø/dt

But this value of magnetic flux, what is it. Like if it had been a velocity-time graph the area would have represented how far I would had come. But in this case what does the value of magnetic flux represent?
Flux per unit area is a measure of the strength of the magnetic field. So flux can be thought of as the integral of the magnetic field over an area.

\phi = \int \vec{B}\cdot d\vec{A}


If you think of the magnetic field strength as being represented by "lines of force", the flux is the total number of lines of force. Lines of force don't really exist physically but it can be a helpful model to use.

AM
 

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