Need help with torque on a rectangular coil

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around understanding the torque on a rectangular coil in a magnetic field and clarifying the angle theta's definition. Participants emphasize that "equilibrium" means the net force and torque on the coil are zero, and they clarify that the angle should be between the magnetic field and the normal to the plane of the coil. There is confusion regarding the correct formula for torque, with participants correcting each other's calculations and discussing the contributions of different forces to the torque. Ultimately, the correct expression for torque is established as tan(theta) = 2IbB/mg, and the original poster expresses gratitude for the assistance received in resolving their doubts. The conversation highlights the collaborative effort to clarify concepts in physics.
Sanosuke Sagara
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i have think very long on this question but still can't figure out what is meant by the question.I have my question and my doubt on the attachment that followed.
 

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I really need somebody to help me figure out what the question want and I really need someone to give me the explanation to the question that I asked.Thanks for anybody that spend sometime on this question.
 
"When the coil is in equilibrium" means that the net force (and torque) on the coil is zero. (What are the forces acting on the coil?) The arrow on the coil shows the direction of the current.
 
Thanks for mentor help.I really appreaciate it.
 
additional help on this question

I want to ask whether the angle tetha is made between 'the magnetic field B and the plane coil' or between 'the magnetic field B and the normal of the plane' ?The reason I ask this phrase 'the magnetic field B and the normal of the plane' is because the dotted line in the diagram made me confuse whether the dotted line means the normal of the plane or there is another meaning on the dotted line.


The attachment that followed is still the same but I forgot to put on a word 'B' on the arrow that are perpendicular to the axis XY.

I hope that somebody will help me figure out my doubt and give explanation to my question.Thanks for anybody that spend some time on this question.
 

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You said "rectangular coil". If that is true then theta, in the picture, must be 90 degrees, a right angle. In any case, it is irrelevant to the problem. The only thing that matters to the force is the angle between the plane of the coil and the magnetic field which is 90 degrees.
 
My solution the question but still can't find the answer.

I have my solution to the question in the attachment that followed.Unfortunately ,I can't find the answer that match the answer behind the textbook.

I hope that someone will help me figure out where have I done wrong and explain to me.Thanks for anybody that spend some time on this question.
 

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Sanosuke Sagara said:
I want to ask whether the angle tetha is made between 'the magnetic field B and the plane coil' or between 'the magnetic field B and the normal of the plane' ?The reason I ask this phrase 'the magnetic field B and the normal of the plane' is because the dotted line in the diagram made me confuse whether the dotted line means the normal of the plane or there is another meaning on the dotted line.
As I interpret the diagram, the angle theta is the angle that the plane of the coil makes with the vertical axis (not the normal to the plane).
 
Sanosuke Sagara said:
I have my solution to the question in the attachment that followed.Unfortunately ,I can't find the answer that match the answer behind the textbook.
For some reason, you set a torque equal to a force, which is incorrect. (The units won't even match!)

In any case, the torque on the coil (measured about the axis of rotation) due to the weight of the coil (2 sides of length a and one of length b contribute to this torque) must equal the opposing torque due to the magnetic force on the current.

(I get a slightly different answer than your book does.)
 
  • #10
I'm sorry mentor that I have used wrong solution to solve this question and have misunderstand with the used of formula.

Does mentor get this answer tan tetha = 2IBab / mg ?
 
  • #11
Sanosuke Sagara said:
Does mentor get this answer tan tetha = 2IBab / mg ?
Almost. The answer I get is: tan\theta = 2IBb/mg.

(Note that the units of your answer cannot be correct.)
 
  • #12
Sanosuke Sagara said:
I'm sorry mentor that I have used wrong solution to solve this question and have misunderstand with the used of formula.

Does mentor get this answer tan tetha = 2IBab / mg ?

I also get tan theta=2IBb/mg.

At equilibrium: total torque about any axis = 0.

Calculate the total torque about the XY axis, and set it equal to zero.

Remember that
\vec \tau = \vec r X \vec F
|\vec \tau |= |\vec r| X |\vec F| sin\alpha
 
  • #13
Need someone to confirm my solution to the question is right or wrong

I have my solution in the attachment that followed.Thanks for anyone who help me figure out with my solution.
 

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  • #14
Torqe produced by the weight is not Fa Sin (theta). Rather, it is F a/2 Sin (theta)
Also, Torque is defined as follows: F X L. Not 2 * F X L. Making these corrections, you will get,
F a/2 Sin (theta) = I b B Cos (theta)

This gives, tan(theta) = 2 IbB / mg

gamma.
 
  • #15
Sanosuke Sagara said:
I have my solution in the attachment that followed.Thanks for anyone who help me figure out with my solution.
Here's how I would analyze this problem: First realize that the weight exerts a "downward" torque while the magnetic force exerts an "upward" torque. Let's find the two torques and set them equal.

(1) Downward torque due to the weight of the coil: The weight of the coil is mg acting at its center of mass, so the downward torque equals:
\tau_{down} = mg (a/2) sin\theta

(2) Upward torque due to the magnetic force: Only the force on the "b" side will contribute to the torque. The magnetic force is IbB (pointing outward); thus the upward torque is:
\tau_{up} = IbBa cos\theta

Now set \tau_{down} = \tau_{up}:
mg (a/2) sin\theta = IbBa cos\theta
Thus:
tan\theta = 2IbB/mg

(Edit: Original solution posted was needlessly complicated. :smile: )
 
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  • #16
Finally ,I have understand with the question and why my solution is not accepted.Lastly , I want to sany thank you to everybody that try to figure out my problem including Learning physics ,Gamma , Doc Al and HallsofIvy mentor. I have finally understand with this question.
 
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