Is Electricity Generated when a Magnet Falls Through a Copper Pipe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether electricity is generated when a magnet falls through a copper pipe, exploring the relationship between the magnet's motion and electrical currents produced in the pipe. It touches on concepts of electromagnetic induction, energy conservation, and the effects of varying parameters such as the size of the pipe and the strength of the magnet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that currents, referred to as ohmic currents, are produced when the magnet falls through the copper pipe.
  • It is suggested that the current generated by the moving magnetic field creates its own magnetic field, which slows the falling magnet.
  • One participant questions whether the amount of current produced is proportional to the size of the pipe and the strength of the magnet, speculating that larger pipes and stronger magnets would result in more electricity generated.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of conservation of energy, indicating that while stronger magnets and more conductive tubes may convert more energy into electricity, this also affects the kinetic energy of the falling magnet.
  • A participant mentions "Eddy Currents" as a relevant phenomenon in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that some form of current is produced when the magnet falls, but there is no consensus on the specifics of how various factors influence the amount of current generated or the implications of energy conservation.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact relationship between the size of the pipe, strength of the magnet, and the resulting electrical output, as well as the implications of energy conservation in this scenario.

Yoann
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The title is pretty self-explanatory. I know the speed of the falling magnet is much slower in a copper pipe, but since the magnetic field moves, is there still some electricity generated in the process, even though the speed isn't great?

Thanks!
 
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The fact that current is produced is the reason that the magnet falls slower. the current produced by the moving magnetic field produces its own magnetic field that inhibits the motion of the falling magnet.
 
Great, thanks for the replies. And Rooted, awesome document you have there!

So is the amount of current produced proportional to the size of the pipe and strength of the magnet? I'm guessing yes, right? Like if we plugged light bulbs to the copper pipe, the bigger the pipe and stronger the magnet, the more light bulbs would go on?
 
Last edited:
Yoann said:
Great, thanks for the replies. And Rooted, awesome document you have there!

So is the amount of current produced proportional to the size of the pipe and strength of the magnet? I'm guessing yes, right? Like if we plugged light bulbs to the copper pipe, the bigger the pipe and stronger the magnet, the more light bulbs would go on?

To a point. You have to remember conservation of energy. If you drop a magnet through the tube under the influence of gravity the magnet starts with a given amount of gravitational potential energy. The stronger the magnet and the more conductive the tube the more energy will be converted into electricity and the less will be converted into kinetic energy and lost to friction.
 
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Ok I get it now. Thanks for the reply!
 
Eddy Currents!
 

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