Mastering Physics Homework about Magnetic field

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to measuring the strength of a magnetic field using a metal rod suspended by springs. The original poster describes the setup and the data collected, including the relationship between current and deflection of the rod.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of determining magnetic field strength from the slope of a graph relating deflection to current. Questions arise regarding the accuracy of the slope used in calculations and the inclusion of units.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the calculations and questioning the values used for the slope. There is recognition of a potential error in the slope value, prompting the original poster to consider reporting the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may impose specific requirements for units and significant figures. The original poster's calculation was based on a graph that may have been misinterpreted.

eedftt
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Mastering Physics
Relevant Equations
Magnetic Field
Magnetic fields are sometimes measured by balancing magnetic forces against known mechanical forces. Your task is to measure the strength of a horizontal magnetic field using a 12-cm-long rigid metal rod that hangs from two nonmagnetic springs, one at each end, with spring constants 1.3 N/m
. You first position the rod to be level and perpendicular to the field, whose direction you determined with a compass. You then connect the ends of the rod to wires that run parallel to the field and thus experience no forces. Finally, you measure the downward deflection of the rod, stretching the springs, as you pass current through it. Your data are as follows:





Current, I(A)


Deflection Δy(mm)


1.0​
4​
2.0​
9​
3.0​
12​
4.0​
15​
5.0​
21​
Graphing either Δy versus I or I versus Δy gives a straight line. In the graph shown, we chose to plot Δy on the vertical axis and I on the horizontal axis. From the equation for the line of best fit given, determine the magnetic field strength B
.
Express your answer to two significant figures and include the appropriate units.

1587585121806.png


According to BIL = 2k*∆y

The slope is BL/(2k)

B = 2 * slope * k / (L) = 0.87

However, the system told me it was wrong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Did you include the units?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: eedftt
kuruman said:
Did you include the units?
Yes. I choose "T" to be the unit.
 
1587587547690.png

The slope appears to be about .004 m/A. But you used 0.040 m/A for the slope in the calculation.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: eedftt
TSny said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/261204
The slope appears to be about .004 m/A. But you used 0.040 m/A for the slope in the calculation.

Thank you! The slope on the graph is incorrect. I will report this to mastering physics.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K