Magnetic Flux through a hemisphere.

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating magnetic flux through a hemispherical surface in a uniform magnetic field at an angle θ with the vertical. For part (a), the correct expression for the magnetic flux through the flat surface (S1) is Bcos(θ)πR². In part (b), Gauss's law for magnetism indicates that the total magnetic flux through a closed surface must equal zero, leading to the conclusion that the flux through the hemispherical surface (S2) is the negative of that through the flat surface. The participants emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting the signs of the flux values based on the conventions used in the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic flux and its mathematical representation.
  • Familiarity with Gauss's law for magnetism.
  • Knowledge of surface integrals in vector calculus.
  • Basic trigonometry, particularly the cosine function.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's law for magnetism in various geometries.
  • Learn about surface integrals and their role in calculating flux in electromagnetic contexts.
  • Explore different conventions for defining magnetic flux direction and sign.
  • Review problems involving magnetic fields and their interactions with closed surfaces.
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Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone involved in solving problems related to magnetic fields and flux calculations.

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Homework Statement


Symbolic question:
Consider the hemispherical closed surface in Figure P30.34. The hemisphere is in a uniform magnetic field that makes an angle θ with the vertical.
pse6_p30-34.gif

(a) Calculate the magnetic flux through the flat surface (S1), using pi for π, theta for θ, B, and R as necessary.
(b) Calculate the magnetic flux through the hemispherical surface (S2), using pi for π, theta for θ, B, and R as necessary.

Homework Equations


Magnetic Flux =
[Surface integral](B (dot) dA)
(My apologies for...not knowing how to insert equations yet)

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, the problem states the magnetic field is uniform, so, at least for the flat surface, I should be able to pull the "B" out of the integral, as well as the cos(theta) so, you are left with Bcos(theta)piR^(2), (the area of surface one). Yet it is incorrect. For part b, I would assume it would be the same as part a, seeing as how it is a surface integral. (If my concept of surface integrals are correct)
 
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Please make separate posts for those 2 problems. Your solution to (a) is right. If this is some sort of web based homework, then you might want to check that everything is typed in correctly.

For part (b) you can use Gauss's law for magnetism which states that the total magnetic flux through a closed surface must be 0.
 
nickjer said:
Please make separate posts for those 2 problems. Your solution to (a) is right. If this is some sort of web based homework, then you might want to check that everything is typed in correctly.

For part (b) you can use Gauss's law for magnetism which states that the total magnetic flux through a closed surface must be 0.
My apology for that.

Well, for part (a) I have tried my answer, yet, it is still wrong, and yes I have checked to make sure it was typed in correctly.
For part (b) I believe it only wants the flux for the surface of two, so it is not closed without surface one, because zero was the incorrect answer as well.
 
The total closed surface is the sum of the two surfaces. So the sum of the fluxes should be 0. Since you know the flux through surface (1), then you can easily get the flux through surface (2).
 
Ah, so the magnetic flux for the second surface is just the negative of the first surface? Yet, if that is the case...I still cannot obtain the correct answer for part (a).
This is exactly what I typed in the answer box.
cos(theta)*B*pi*R^2
And I looked at the preview of the answer..and everything seems to be okay.
It is still incorrect.
 
Maybe set the first answer negative, and the 2nd answer positive. Other than that, I am out of ideas.
 
Yup, you were right, I had to switch them...yet, I am still clueless as to why... But thank you for your help!
 
Doesn't matter too much. Some people prefer flux into a closed surface to be negative, others positive. Seems your book prefers flux into a closed surface to be negative.
 

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