Physics Puzzle: Magnetic Field Generated by Approximation of a Flower

In summary, the conversation discusses an attachment showing a flower approximation created by a poor artist. It explains how the flower can be characterized by specifying inner and outer radii and angles, and how a magnetic field may be generated at the center if a current flows. The conversation then poses several questions about the potential effects on the magnetic field, with the conclusion that flowers cannot be magnetized.
  • #1
cpcolts
4
0
Here's an attachment.

A poor artist might approximate a flower as a series of straight lines and arcs such as that shown below. We could caracterize the flower by specifying the inner and outer radii, and the inner and outer angles (shown). If a current I flows around along the lines and arcs, a magnetic field may be generated at the center of the figure. For the figure as drawn, please answer each of the following questions.
Will there be a magnetic field at the center?
If there is a field, would increasing the number of "petals" make the field bigger? Smaller? No effect?
If there is a field, and with the other variables fixed, will increasing Router make the field bigger? Smaller? No effect?
If there is a field, and with the other variables fixed, would making outer bigger and inner smaller make the field bigger? Smaller? No effect?
 

Attachments

  • physics puzzle.gif
    physics puzzle.gif
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  • #2
Have you at least attempted to solve this?
 
  • #3
Sounds like homework...
as a start consider reducing the number of petals...maybe to two opposite...or even just one...easier to figure out what happens...
 
  • #4
The answer to the first question is 'no'; flowers can't be magnetized. That negates the remainder of the questions.
 
  • #5
yea. I've tried figuring it out but had no luck so far
 

1. What is the purpose of the "Physics Puzzle: Magnetic Field Generated by Approximation of a Flower"?

The purpose of this puzzle is to help individuals understand the concept of magnetic fields and how they are generated by electric currents. The flower approximation is used to simplify the concept and make it more accessible to people.

2. How does the flower approximation relate to magnetic fields?

The flower approximation is used to represent a circular loop of electric current, which is a fundamental element in generating a magnetic field. By understanding how the flower approximation creates a magnetic field, one can better understand the concept of magnetic fields in general.

3. What factors affect the strength of the magnetic field in the "Physics Puzzle: Magnetic Field Generated by Approximation of a Flower"?

The strength of the magnetic field is affected by the magnitude of the electric current, the number of turns in the circular loop, and the distance from the loop. These factors can be adjusted in the puzzle to see how they impact the strength of the magnetic field.

4. Can the "Physics Puzzle: Magnetic Field Generated by Approximation of a Flower" be used to model real-world scenarios?

Yes, the puzzle can be used as a simplified model for understanding magnetic fields in real-world scenarios. However, it is important to note that the puzzle only represents a circular loop of electric current and does not take into account other factors that may affect the magnetic field in a real-life situation.

5. How does this puzzle help with understanding the relationship between electric and magnetic fields?

This puzzle visually demonstrates how an electric current can create a magnetic field, and how the strength and direction of the magnetic field are dependent on the properties of the electric current. By manipulating the electric current in the puzzle, individuals can see how it affects the magnetic field and gain a better understanding of the relationship between the two fields.

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