Magnetic force with spring and resistor problem

[floridianfisher]

I am having a great deal of trouble solving the following problem. Can anyone help?
A straight wire of mass 10.2 g and length 5.0 cm is suspended from two identical springs that, in turn, form a closed circuit (Fig. P19.66). The springs stretch a distance of 0.51 cm under the weight of the wire. The circuit has a total resistance of 11 . When a magnetic field directed out of the page (indicated by the dots in the figure) is turned on, the springs are observed to stretch an additional 0.30 cm. What is the strength of the magnetic field? (The upper portion of the circuit is fixed.)

 

[Kurdt]

What have you tried so far?

 

[floridianfisher]

I have tried to solve by first find the spring constant by 2kx=mg, then by using that spring constant in a new equation and solving for magnetic force by 2kx-mg=BIL but it is not working out for me.

 

[Kurdt]

Well you seem to have the correct method. Just a point on working out the magnetic force. You can say 2kx = BIL if you use 0.3cm for x.

So is there any more information give about the circuit because you're going to need to know what I is?

 

[floridianfisher]

I am solving for I by I+V/R = 2.18 A

 

[Kurdt]

You have all the information and the correct equation so now just rearrange for B and plug all the numbers in.

 

[floridianfisher]

I get 539.25 T but when I put it in the computer says I am wrong?

 

[floridianfisher]

sorry 539.45 T but stilll wrong

 

[Kurdt]

Have you converted the cm to meters before using them?

 

[floridianfisher]

yes I have 2kx=mg, k= 9800 then 2kx-((mg)/(IL))=B
or (10.2*9.8)/(2*0.0051)=9800 and ((2*9800*0.0081)-(10.2*9.8))/(2.18*.05)= 539.45

 

[Kurdt]

Or have you converted grams to kilograms?

 

[floridianfisher]

OMG! I am an idiot... Thanks for your help

 

[Astronuc]

When solving a problem, one should put units with the numbers, so that one will sure to use the proper system, either MKS or cgs.

 

[Kurdt]

Another bit of advice is if you have the answer to hand and your answer looks the same but is a number of factors out then check your units. Thats where the discrepency usually is.