Magnetic field of cylinder with coils problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the calculation of the magnetic field generated by three coils wrapped around a non-magnetic cylinder. Participants explore the implications of coil parameters such as diameter, current, and number of turns on the magnetic field along the cylinder's centerline, focusing on theoretical and computational aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the magnetic field of the cylinder can be expressed as B = μ0*I / (2π*r), but expresses uncertainty about its application.
  • Another participant questions how the diameters of the coils affect the magnetic field, indicating confusion about their relevance in the calculations.
  • There is a discussion on whether the equation Bz = (μ0*N*I)/L applies to the entire cylinder or to each individual coil, with a later reply confirming it applies to both.
  • One participant calculates the total magnetic field for identical coils and arrives at Bz = 9*μ0*N*I, suggesting it aligns with the case of a single coil with three times the number of turns.
  • Concerns are raised about the necessity of the diameters in the problem statement if they do not influence Bz.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the role of coil diameter in the magnetic field calculations. While some calculations and confirmations are presented, there is no consensus on the significance of certain parameters or the overall approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential ambiguities in the problem statement, particularly regarding the relevance of coil diameters and the application of equations to the entire cylinder versus individual coils. There are also unresolved questions about the implications of different coil configurations on the magnetic field.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and individuals interested in electromagnetism, particularly those working on problems related to magnetic fields generated by coils and solenoids.

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Homework Statement


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In the picture in the figure, three coils are tightly wrapped around a non-magnetic cylinder of diameter Dcyl. Each coil is defined through the diameter of each wire comprising the coil, dcoil1-dcoil3, the current going through each coil, I1-I3, and the number of turns in each coil, N1 – N3. In addition, each coil extends a length equal to a 1/3 the length of the cylinder. Write a program that defines the magnetic field in the centerline of the cylinder (on the z axis) and plots it against z (from –l to l, where l is the length of the cylinder). Note that the cylinder extends from –l/2 to l/2.

The user inputs values for Dcyl, dcoil1, dcoil2, dcoil3, N1, N2, N3, I1, I2, I3, and l.

The program outputs a graph of Bz vs z from –l to l for:
1. All coils identical – same current I, same diameter, same number of coils. This should give you an answer identical to the case of one coil with current I and number of coils equal to 3N. Confirm.

2. Each coil activated separately – so, I1=I while I2=I3=0, etc. If, in each case you use the same I and N to define each coil, how do you expect the results to compare with each other. Are your results reasonable?

3. Two combinations of I1, I2, and I3, including at least one where the currents are going in different directions.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


can someone please help me i don't understand this! I think the magnetic field of cylinder is something like B= u0*I / (2*pi*r) but I'm not sure!
 
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asdf12312 said:
In the picture in the figure, three coils are tightly wrapped around a non-magnetic cylinder of diameter Dcyl. Each coil is defined through the diameter of each wire comprising the coil, dcoil1-dcoil3, the current going through each coil, I1-I3, and the number of turns in each coil, N1 – N3. In addition, each coil extends a length equal to a 1/3 the length of the cylinder. Write a program that defines the magnetic field in the centerline of the cylinder (on the z axis) and plots it against z (from –l to l, where l is the length of the cylinder). Note that the cylinder extends from –l/2 to l/2.

The user inputs values for Dcyl, dcoil1, dcoil2, dcoil3, N1, N2, N3, I1, I2, I3, and l.

The program outputs a graph of Bz vs z from –l to l for:
1. All coils identical – same current I, same diameter, same number of coils. This should give you an answer identical to the case of one coil with current I and number of coils equal to 3N. Confirm.

2. Each coil activated separately – so, I1=I while I2=I3=0, etc. If, in each case you use the same I and N to define each coil, how do you expect the results to compare with each other. Are your results reasonable?

3. Two combinations of I1, I2, and I3, including at least one where the currents are going in different directions.

Homework Equations


I've highlighted the starting points for you.
asdf12312 said:
I think the magnetic field of cylinder is something like B= u0*I / (2*pi*r) but I'm not sure!
Check your class notes or the textbook, or look for "magnetic field of a solenoid" and become sure.

Do not ever let a page long problem statement intimidate you. Just work your way through it one line at a time.
 
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I guess I'm confused because I don't understand how diameters matter in finding the B field. Also does the Bz = (u0*N*I)/L equation apply to whole cylinder or to each wire/coil too? For part 1) I get if all coils are identical, the B field through each is same so total B field is Bz=B1+B2+B3 or Bz= 3((u0*N*I)/(1/3)) = 9*u0*N*I. this is same answer I also get for case of only one coil with number of coils equal to 3N.

by the way, why do we need the diameters if they don't affect Bz at all?
 
asdf12312 said:
by the way, why do we need the diameters if they don't affect Bz at all?
Problem statements may be written for you to sort what is necessary from what is not; or to find missing information.

asdf12312 said:
Also does the Bz = (u0*N*I)/L equation apply to whole cylinder or to each wire/coil too?
Yes.
asdf12312 said:
For part 1) I get if all coils are identical, the B field through each is same so total B field is Bz=B1+B2+B3 or Bz= 3((u0*N*I)/(1/3)) = 9*u0*N*I. this is same answer I also get for case of only one coil with number of coils equal to 3N.
Okay, you've "confirmed" part 1.
 

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