Magnetic Flux in 2.6T Field & 26cm Square Loop

AI Thread Summary
A 2.6T magnetic field at a 30-degree angle to a square loop measuring 26cm per side raises questions about calculating magnetic flux. The correct formula for magnetic flux is phi=BAcos(theta), where theta should be the angle between the magnetic field and the normal to the loop's plane. Initially, using 30 degrees led to an incorrect result, as it represented the angle with the plane rather than the normal. The correct angle to use is 60 degrees, which resolved the issue and yielded the correct flux value. Understanding the relationship between the angle and the normal is crucial for accurate calculations in magnetic flux problems.
pat666
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Homework Statement


A 2.6T magnetic field makes a 30 degree angle with a square loop 26cm on a side.


Homework Equations



phi=BAcos(theta)

The Attempt at a Solution


this should be a very simple question.
phi=2.6*.26^2cos30
phi=0.15Wb
mastering physics says this is wrong but I can't see any reason why? should it be negative or something?
thanks for any help/
 
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pat666 said:

Homework Statement


A 2.6T magnetic field makes a 30 degree angle with a square loop 26cm on a side.

Does this mean that the magnetic field encloses 30 degree with the plane of the loop? In the formula for the flux, you have to use the angle with respect to the normal of the plane.

ehild
 
so how do I find theta ? or would it be 90 degrees making the flux 0?
 
The flux is maximum if the magnetic field is normal to the plane and 0 if the field is parallel to the plane.

ehild
 
I still don't know what the angle should be though, why is 30 degrees not working?
 
30° might mean the angle the field encloses with the plane, but you need the angle between the field and the normal of the plane. If a vector makes an angle alpha with a plane than it encloses (90°-alpha) with the normal.
And yes, theta=90° would make the flux 0 as the field is parallel to the plane and would not cross it.

ehild
 
so the angle I should use is 60 degrees?
 
Try.

ehild
 
Yeah that did it, thanks a lot ehild.
 
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