Need help deriving an equation for electric field created by solenoid

In summary, the problem involves calculating the force on an electron located outside a long solenoid with a given radius and number of turns per unit length, while the current in the solenoid is being ramped up at a certain rate. The solution involves using the formula for induced emf, inductance for a solenoid, and the equations for electric field and force. The direction of the force can be determined using the right hand rule, but the exact method for applying it to this situation may require further research.
  • #1
Simon777
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Homework Statement


A very long solenoid of circular cross section with radius a= 4.80 cm has n= 77.0 turns/cm of wire. An electron is sitting outside the solenoid, at a distance r= 5.30 cm from the solenoid axis. What is the magnitude of the force on the electron while the current in the solenoid is ramped up at a rate of 38.0 Amps/s?


Homework Equations


emf= -L * dI/dt

F=E*q

L for a solenoid=mu not*N^2*A/l


The Attempt at a Solution


From what another has told me, this is the sequence of steps that works, but I want to know why:
------------------------------
The induced emf is μo*n*A*dI/dt = 4πx10^-7*7400*π*0.0540^2*36 = 3.07x10^-3V

So the electric field = V/2πr = 3.07x10^-3/(2π*0.0590) = 8.27x10^-3N/C

So the force on the electron = E*q = 8.27x10^-3N/C*1.60x10^-19C = 1.32x10^-21N
--------------------------------

I want to start from basics and build the above. So far I start with:

emf= -L * dI/dt

and inductance for a solenoid=mu not*N^2*A/l

so I make:
emf= -mu not*N^2*A/l * dI/dt

now N=number of turns and l=unit length for 1 turn so I can use the above info to turn N/l into the variable n to get rid of l.

So n=N/l and
emf= -mu not*N*(N/l)*A * dI/dt

now I can solve for emf, but I get stuck here because I don't know where E=V/(2pi r) comes from. I need E to plug into F=E*q to get the final answer. I know E=(q/A)/(2*epsilon not), but the only formula I know relating E to V is V= E*d, but I don't think it applies here.

Am I even on the right path to solving this?
 
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  • #2
I've figured out where I went wrong and had to spend a long time learning more about electromagnetism.

Now I'm struggling to find the direction of the force. I put absolute values in my calculation to avoid sign changes and ended up with a magnitude of 1.28x10^-21N.

Where do I begin to find the direction of the force on the electron?

I recognize there is a b field inside the solenoid going to the right so the force on the electron needs to be such that it makes a b field opposite of this direction to obey the laws of conservation of energy and I know how to do the right hand rule, but don't know how to apply it to this situation. I know direction of B is left, but don't know direction of velocity or force so I don't know how the right hand rule could be used here.

Any help would be appreciated.
 

FAQ: Need help deriving an equation for electric field created by solenoid

1. How do you calculate the electric field created by a solenoid?

The electric field created by a solenoid can be calculated using the equation E = N * I / L, where N is the number of turns in the solenoid, I is the current flowing through the solenoid, and L is the length of the solenoid.

2. What are the units of measurement for the electric field created by a solenoid?

The units of measurement for the electric field created by a solenoid are volts per meter (V/m).

3. How does the number of turns in a solenoid affect the electric field?

The number of turns in a solenoid is directly proportional to the electric field it creates. This means that as the number of turns increases, the electric field also increases.

4. Can the electric field created by a solenoid be negative?

Yes, the electric field created by a solenoid can be negative. This can occur if the current flowing through the solenoid is negative or if the direction of the solenoid is reversed.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the electric field created by a solenoid?

Yes, in addition to the number of turns and current, the length of the solenoid and the material it is made of can also affect the electric field. The shape and placement of other nearby objects can also have an impact on the electric field created by a solenoid.

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