Missing negative sign in my textbook's answer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of the expression ##NiAB sin(\theta)## from ##\pi## to 0, resulting in the value of -2NiAB. The participant asserts that the textbook's omission of the negative sign is an error. The negative result reflects the work done by the external force, while the battery cell's counter work is considered positive. This highlights the importance of correctly interpreting signs in physics problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically definite integrals.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of work and energy in physics.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their properties.
  • Basic understanding of electromagnetism, particularly the role of battery cells in circuits.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review integral calculus techniques for solving definite integrals.
  • Study the principles of work and energy in physics to grasp the significance of sign conventions.
  • Explore trigonometric identities and their applications in physics problems.
  • Investigate the fundamentals of electromagnetism, focusing on the behavior of battery cells in circuits.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics and engineering, particularly those studying electromagnetism and integral calculus, will benefit from this discussion.

mymodded
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Homework Statement
A coil with N turns and area A, carrying a constant current, flips in an external field ##\vec{B}_{ext}## , so that its dipole moment switches from opposition to the field to alignment with the field. During this process, induction produces a potential difference that tends to reduce the current in the coil. Calculate the work done by the coil's power supply to maintain the constant current.
Relevant Equations
## W = \int_{\theta_{i}}^{\theta_{f}} \tau (\theta) d\theta ##
or
## U(\theta) = -NiABcos(\theta)##
the question is fairly easy to solve, integrating ##NiAB sin(\theta)## from ##\pi## to 0 or just do ##-NiAB(cos(0) - cos(\pi))## which gives you -2NiAB, but my textbook did not include the negative sign, is it mistaken?
 
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Your minus answer is the work external force did. Battery cell did minus counter work, so it is plus.
 

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