Magnetic Forces acting upon a slider on rails

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a metal slider on frictionless conducting rails subjected to magnetic forces. Participants are exploring how to determine the acceleration of the slider given specific parameters such as magnetic field strength, current, and mass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the magnetic force on the slider and its acceleration, questioning whether the acceleration could be zero based on the direction of currents in the rails. There are attempts to derive the force using the formula F=BIl and to calculate acceleration from that force. Some participants express uncertainty about the correct length of the conductor and its impact on calculations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing various calculations and questioning the direction of acceleration. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of Fleming's left-hand rule to determine the direction of the force, but there is no explicit consensus on the final outcome or direction of acceleration.

Contextual Notes

There is ambiguity regarding the length of the conductor and whether the distance between the rails should be halved. Participants are also navigating the implications of the current directions on the forces acting on the slider.

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A 0.40kg metal slider is sitting on smooth (frictionless) conducting rails as shown below. What is the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the slider?
Magnetic Fields.jpg

Given,

B = 3.0T I = 5.0A m = 0.40kg
R = either 0.1m or 0.05m, I am not sure if you half it because its a raidius.

How can you figure out the acceleration of the slider?
or would the acceleration be zero since the rail with the current hading left would counteract the rail with the current heading right? therefore acceleration = 0 and magnitude would not be applicable?

I'm not sure what to do here
thanks in advance for any help!
 
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What is the expression of the force on the current carrying conductor in a magnetic field?
0.1 m is the distance between the rails. It is also the length of the conductor sliding on the rails.
 
rl.bhat said:
What is the expression of the force on the current carrying conductor in a magnetic field?
0.1 m is the distance between the rails. It is also the length of the conductor sliding on the rails.

The expression is F=BIl
so F=(3.0T)(5.0A)(1.0m)= 15N.
Then using F=ma the acceleration would be
a=F/m=(15N)/(0.40kg)=37.5m/s^2
so if that is the acceleration, then Which way would it accelerate? Towards the battery or away?
 
Sorry the length is 0.1m so that would give a force of 1.5N and an acceleration iof 1.5/0.4=3.75m/s^2
in which direction ?
 
Use Flemming's left hand rule to find the direction of the force.
 

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