Magnetic Flux through a Cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the total magnetic flux through a cylinder that surrounds a long, straight wire carrying a current. The subject area pertains to electromagnetism, specifically magnetic fields and flux.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the magnetic field and area to find the flux but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach. Some participants question the direction of the magnetic field lines in relation to the surface of the cylinder, suggesting that the flux may be zero due to the perpendicular orientation of the field lines.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring the implications of the geometry of the magnetic field in relation to the cylinder. Participants have provided insights regarding the direction of the magnetic field and its effect on the flux calculation, leading to a consideration that the total flux may indeed be zero.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a deadline for the homework, indicating urgency in resolving the question. There may be assumptions regarding the setup and definitions of magnetic flux that are being examined.

xxkylexx
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Homework Statement


A long, straight wire carrying a current of 4.00 A is placed along the axis of a cylinder of radius 0.500 m and a length of 3.00 m. Determine the total magnetic flux through the cylinder.

Homework Equations


Flux = BA
B(long wire) = (((4 * pi) * 10^-7) * I )/ (2 * pi * R)
A(cyclinder) = (2 * pi * r^2) + (2 * pi * r * h)

The Attempt at a Solution


I = 4
r = .5
h = 3

I tried to solve for B by saying:
B = (((4 * pi) * 10^-7) * 4 )/ (2 * pi * .5)
B = 1.6 * 10^-6

and then A:
A = (2 * pi * .5^2) + (2 * pi * .5 * 3)
A = 10.99Flux = (1.6 * 10^-6) * 10.99
Flux = 1.75 * 10^-5----------------------------This is incorrect. Not sure what I am doing wrong here. Any help is very much appreciated. This is due tonight at 11pm EST :smile: Thanks much,
Kyle
 
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Notice here is asking you to find the total flux through the cylinder. However, the magnetic field lines are always perpendicular to the surface of the cylinder. So even if your calculations are right, it is not acting on the right direction. The final answer is zero
 
The magnetic flux lines using the Right Hand Fist/Grip/Screw Rule ... circle around the wire perpendicular to the direction of the current. Since Flux is B dot A = B A cos theta, since theta is 90 degrees, the flux thru the cylinder is zero, 0. ...Theta is the angle between the normal to the surface and the flux lines of B = 90 degrees.
 
paulfr said:
The magnetic flux lines using the Right Hand Fist/Grip/Screw Rule ... circle around the wire perpendicular to the direction of the current. Since Flux is B dot A = B A cos theta, since theta is 90 degrees, the flux thru the cylinder is zero, 0. ...Theta is the angle between the normal to the surface and the flux lines of B = 90 degrees.
Please note that the OP's question is related to homework due at 11:00 pm EST on March 21, 2007.
 

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