Magnetic Flux through a solenoid

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic flux through a disk placed perpendicular to the axis of a cylindrical solenoid with a magnetic field of 0.15 T and an area of 4 cm². The magnetic flux is determined using the equation φ = B * A, resulting in a value of 6E-5 Wb. A common misconception addressed is that magnetic flux through a closed surface is zero, which applies only to fully enclosed volumes, not to open surfaces like a disk.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic fields and solenoids
  • Familiarity with the equation for magnetic flux (φ = B * A)
  • Knowledge of Gauss's Law for magnetism
  • Basic geometry of cylindrical shapes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Gauss's Law in different geometries
  • Explore the concept of magnetic flux in various configurations
  • Learn about the properties of solenoids and their magnetic fields
  • Investigate the implications of magnetic flux in electromagnetic theory
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding magnetic fields and their applications in solenoids.

Interesting
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The magnetic field inside a cylindrical solenoid of area 4 cm^2 is 0.15 T along the axis of the solenoid. What is the magnetic flux through a disk of radius 3 cm placed perpendicular to the solenoid axis?

Homework Equations


\phi = \zeta B * dA


The Attempt at a Solution



Well the area is 4 cm^2 and B is 0.15, so 6E-5 Wb is the answer, but I'm a little confused here. I thought flux for a closed surface was always 0 (gauss' law for magnetism)? What's going on here?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Interesting said:

Homework Statement



The magnetic field inside a cylindrical solenoid of area 4 cm^2 is 0.15 T along the axis of the solenoid. What is the magnetic flux through a disk of radius 3 cm placed perpendicular to the solenoid axis?

Homework Equations


\phi = \zeta B * dA


The Attempt at a Solution



Well the area is 4 cm^2 and B is 0.15, so 6E-5 Wb is the answer, but I'm a little confused here. I thought flux for a closed surface was always 0 (gauss' law for magnetism)? What's going on here?

A closed surface means that it encloses a volume. A sphere, cube, etc. would be a closed surface, but a disk would not. If you constructed a cylinder with the disk in the problem at one end, and calculated the flux through the cylinder then the flux would be zero.
 

Similar threads

Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K