Path of least resistence, static wire in B field or moveable wire?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of electrical current in conductors subjected to a magnetic field, specifically comparing a stationary conductor with a movable one. When the same voltage is applied to both conductors wired in parallel, the movable conductor generates back electromotive force (back EMF), which opposes current flow, resulting in slightly less current draw compared to the stationary conductor that behaves like an inductor. This phenomenon highlights the differences in current behavior between stationary and moving conductors in a magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic principles, specifically Faraday's Law of Induction
  • Knowledge of back EMF and its effects on current flow
  • Familiarity with electrical circuit concepts, particularly parallel circuits
  • Basic principles of motors and inductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Faraday's Law of Induction in depth
  • Study the effects of back EMF in electric motors and generators
  • Explore the behavior of inductors in AC and DC circuits
  • Investigate the design and operation of parallel circuits in electrical engineering
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the principles of electromagnetism and circuit design will benefit from this discussion.

Matus1976
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I was curious, if the same voltage was applied to two conductors, I guess wired in parallel, and both passed through a magnetic field at a right angle to the field, and one was refrained from moving, while the other was allowed to move - which path would the electrical current travel?
 
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Good question.

I guess this is like a motor that is turning compared with one that cannot turn.

The one that turns generates a back EMF which opposes the flow of current, while the one that cannot turn just behaves like an inductor and draws more current.

So, the one that moves would draw slightly less current than the one that can't move because the one that can move will generate a back EMF.

This gets complicated if you put them in parallel, though.
 

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