Lorentz Force or Simple Harmonic Motion

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving three parallel wires carrying current, specifically focusing on the forces acting on the middle wire when it is displaced. The subject area includes electromagnetism and dynamics, particularly the Lorentz force and simple harmonic motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the implications of the Lorentz force on the displaced wire and questioning how this relates to the concept of simple harmonic motion. There is a discussion about the nature of the forces acting on the middle wire after its displacement and whether it remains equidistant from the other wires.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the net force direction acting on the middle wire after displacement. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the displacement and its effects on the forces involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on the assumptions regarding the displacement direction and its impact on the forces between the wires. The participants are also considering the conditions under which the middle wire might exhibit simple harmonic motion.

mateomy
Messages
305
Reaction score
0
So my friend and I were going through problems and this came up...

Consider 3 straight, infinitely long, equally spaced wires (with zero radius, separated each by a distance d), each carrying a current I in the same direction.


blah blah blah...


part c) asks us...

If the middle wire is rigidly displaced a very small distance x (x<<d) upward while the other 2 wires are held fixed, describe qualitatively the subsequent motion of the wire.


One of us is invoking the Lorentz force and saying as a the middle wire is displaced the Force between the middle wire and it's now closer neighbor will increase, thereby creating a very strong attractive force. However, the other of us is manipulating the equations to show that what will happen is in fact, simple harmonic motion. Lorentz force seems obvious but, how can we be pulling SHM out of this? Which makes the most sense?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I assume that "displaced upward" means that the middle wire is displaced in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane that originally contained the three wires. If so, does the middle wire remain equidistant from the other two wires? Does the net force on the middle wire remain zero? If not, what is the direction of the net force?
 
No, the displacement is within the wire plane. It's displaced closer to another wire and then released.
 
Oh, I see. Well, after the displacement, what will be the direction of the net force on the middle wire?
 

Similar threads

High School Is simple harmonic motion also a pure translatory motion?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
How to prove that motion is periodic but not simple harmonic?
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
4K
Simple harmonic motion of a charged particle in a rod
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Undergrad Solutions to Simple Harmonic Motion second order differential equation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Gravitational force in simple harmonic motion
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Rotating simple harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Is this Simple Harmonic Motion?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
Understanding solution to equations of motion of n coupled oscillators
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Simple harmonic motion and central forces.
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
When Do Sand Particles Slip Off a Vibrating Plate?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K