Magnetic field questionwhat did i do wrong

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a copper rod in a magnetic field, specifically calculating the minimum current required for the rod to float. The subject area includes concepts of electromagnetism and forces acting on charged objects in magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the formula for magnetic force and weight, questioning the calculations and assumptions made regarding mass and current. There is a focus on verifying the correctness of the values used in the calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their calculations and questioning the validity of each other's answers. Some participants express confusion about discrepancies in the results, while others acknowledge potential misinterpretations of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a possible error in converting the mass of the copper rod from grams to kilograms, which may have contributed to differing results among participants. The original poster seeks clarification on their approach and the reasoning behind the perceived errors.

kevinlikesphysics
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4. [SFHS99 21.P.37.] A thin 1.00 m long copper rod has a mass of 50.0 g. What is the minimum current needed in the rod to cause it to float in a magnetic field of 1.00 T?i got 4.9 what am i doing wrong i used ma =BiL

can someone tel me what I am doign wrong
 
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I got:

[tex]mg = BIL[/tex]
[tex]I = \frac{mg}{BL} \Rightarrow I = \frac{0.05\times 9.81}{1\times 1}[/tex]

[tex]I = 0.4905 A[/tex]

Same as you.
? :confused:
 
Last edited:
why do you say the answer is wrong?
 
physicsprasanna said:
why do you say the answer is wrong?

Well, in case it's escaped notice, Hootenanny's answer is 1/10 of kevinlikesphysics'. I'm assuming that kevinlikesphysics simply converted the 50.0 g incorrectly.

-Dan
 
Ahhh, indeed. I miss read. I feel rather stupid now.
 

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