Magnetic Flux through solenoid question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic flux through a solenoid with 400 turns, a diameter of 4 cm, and a length of 50 cm, producing a magnetic field of 1.5 mT. The user initially calculated the magnetic flux as 1.9 x 10^-6 Txm², but the correct answer is 7.5 x 10^-4 Txm². The discrepancy arises from misunderstanding the relationship between magnetic flux and the number of turns, N, in the solenoid. The correct approach is to calculate magnetic flux using the formula Φ = B * A, where A is the cross-sectional area of the solenoid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic flux and its units (Weber, Tesla)
  • Familiarity with solenoid properties and formulas
  • Knowledge of area calculation for circular cross-sections
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formula for magnetic flux: Φ = B * A
  • Learn how to calculate the area of a circle: A = πr²
  • Review the concept of magnetic fields in solenoids
  • Explore the relationship between inductance and magnetic flux
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding magnetic fields and solenoid behavior.

TDean2010
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Homework Statement


"A solenoid is wound with 400 turns on a form 4cm in diameter and 50 cm long. The windings carry a current that produces a magnetic field, of magnitude 1.5mT, at the center of the solenoid. The magnetic flux through the solenoid is closest to?


Homework Equations



L=N[itex]\Phi[/itex]/I

L=u0N2A/l

B-u0(N/l)I

The Attempt at a Solution


So I calculated the current and inductance using the last 2 equations, getting I=1.492A and L = 5.05x10^-4
Then plugging that stuff into the self inductance equation and solving for magnetic flux I got 1.9x10^-6 Txm^2. But the answer my teacher gave in the solution key was 7.5x10^-4 Txm^2. I understand the difference between these two answers is having N=400 or not dividing by N at all when solving for magnetic flux, but I don't get why. I thought it would be 7.5x10^-4 if he had been asking for the flux in one turn (N=1), not the whole thing.

Is there something I am not reading in the question correctly that is making me think [itex]\Phi[/itex] = LI/N and using N=400 is correct? That is, can someone explain to me why the answer is 7.5x10^-4 snf noy 1.9x106-6?

Thank you very much!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi TDean2010! Welcome to PF! :smile:
TDean2010 said:
"A solenoid is wound with 400 turns on a form 4cm in diameter and 50 cm long. The windings carry a current that produces a magnetic field, of magnitude 1.5mT, at the center of the solenoid. The magnetic flux through the solenoid is closest to?

Why are you going into all that detail? :confused:

Learn your electric units … tesla = webers per square metre (T = Wb m-2) …

the magnetic flux through an area is simply the magnetic field times the area! :smile:

(assuming the magnetic field is constant … otherwise, messy integration! :wink:)
 
Thank you! I definitely need to work on my units and I need to stop over complicating things. After calculating it again I got the correct answer. Thanks for the help!
 

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