Magnetic Field From Coiled Wires

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SUMMARY

Solenoids, commonly used in electric motors, utilize coils of thin copper wire with dielectric insulation between turns to create a magnetic field. This design is preferred over a solid copper cylinder due to the specific behavior of current flow in coils, which generates a directed magnetic field. The spiral current flow in a solenoid is essential for achieving the desired magnetic field orientation, which would be compromised in a solid cylindrical configuration. Therefore, the coil design effectively balances resistance and magnetic field directionality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory
  • Familiarity with solenoid design principles
  • Knowledge of electric current behavior in conductive materials
  • Basic concepts of magnetic field generation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic induction
  • Explore the design and applications of solenoids in electric motors
  • Learn about the effects of dielectric materials in coil construction
  • Investigate the relationship between current density and magnetic field strength
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the design and functionality of electromagnetic devices will benefit from this discussion.

KrizG
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I'm just curious why solenoids used to create a magnetic field, such as those used in electric motors are typically coils of thin copper wires with a dielectric separating each turn of wire instead of using a single cylindrical shell made of solid copper. Wouldn't using a cylinder shell made entirely of copper be more effective? Because of the decreased length, there would be much less electric resistance, and I believe the magnetic field would remain the same if the current density flowing through it were the same.
 
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In a solenoid, the current flows in circles, slowly spiraling towards the other side. How can you get that behavior if you used a cylinder? The current would just move straight through, and then you get a magnetic field that's not in the direction you want.
 

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