Polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid

In summary: Yes! :smile: In summary, the polarity of the horseshoe-shaped solenoid is dependent on the current direction viewed from the ends. The current direction using right hand grip rule and wrap direction of the coil viewed from the ends are giving the opposite conflicting result.
  • #1
Abigaile
2
0

Homework Statement



polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid given symbol for power source large line small line.
Current flows through the right end of the horsehoe and out of the left end.

The wire is wrapped in a CW direction if looking at the left end of the magnet.
The wire is wrapped in a ACW direction if looking at the right end of the magnet.

Im confused that the current direction using right hand grip rule and wrap direction of the coil viewed from the ends are giving the opposite conflicting result.

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution



Assuming conventional current from positive (large line) to negative (small line).

Viewing the right end current direction is ACW so this should be North
Viewing the left end current direction is CW so this should be South

Is this correct or should I consider the rules as if the horseshoe was broken in half like a wishbone?

Thanks..
 
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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Abigaile! Welcome to PF! :smile:
Abigaile said:
polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid …
Current flows through the right end of the horsehoe and out of the left end.

The wire is wrapped in a CW direction if looking at the left end of the magnet.
The wire is wrapped in a ACW direction if looking at the right end of the magnet.

Im confused that the current direction using right hand grip rule and wrap direction of the coil viewed from the ends are giving the opposite conflicting result.

No. :confused:

Wrap your right hand around the left end of the solenoid, so that your fingers are curling the same way as the current …

your thumb then points into the solenoid.

Now slide your hand all the way round the solenoid to the other end …

your thumb now points out of the solenoid …

isn't that what you expect, one end north and the other end south? :smile:
 
  • #3


tiny-tim said:
Hi Abigaile! Welcome to PF! :smile:


No. :confused:

Wrap your right hand around the left end of the solenoid, so that your fingers are curling the same way as the current …

your thumb then points into the solenoid.

Now slide your hand all the way round the solenoid to the other end …

your thumb now points out of the solenoid …

isn't that what you expect, one end north and the other end south? :smile:

Hi Tim :smile:

does that mean left end is south and right end is north?:wink:
 
  • #4
Yes! :smile:

(or the other way round … i can't remember o:))
 
  • #5


I would first clarify the terminology being used. In this context, the horseshoe shaped solenoid is most likely referring to a horseshoe magnet with a wire coil wrapped around it, rather than a solenoid which is typically a cylindrical coil of wire. With that being said, the polarity of a horseshoe magnet is determined by the direction of the magnetic field lines, which in turn is determined by the direction of current flow in the wire coil.

Based on the given information, it seems that the power source is connected to the right end of the horseshoe magnet, with current flowing through the coil in a clockwise direction when viewed from the left end. This would result in a north pole at the right end and a south pole at the left end, based on the right hand grip rule. However, when looking at the horseshoe magnet as a whole, the north pole is typically labeled as the end where the magnetic field lines exit and the south pole as the end where they enter. This would mean that the left end of the horseshoe magnet is actually the north pole and the right end is the south pole.

In terms of the conflicting results, it is important to remember that the right hand grip rule and the direction of coil wrapping are simply conventions used to determine the direction of current flow and the resulting magnetic field. It is possible that the conflicting results are due to a difference in the conventions being used. To avoid confusion, it may be helpful to label the poles of the horseshoe magnet based on the direction of the magnetic field lines, rather than the direction of current flow.
 

1. What is the polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid?

The polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid refers to the direction of the magnetic field created by the solenoid. It can be either north or south, depending on the direction of the current flowing through the solenoid.

2. How is the polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid determined?

The polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid is determined by the direction of the current flow through the solenoid. The right-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field and thus the polarity of the solenoid.

3. What factors affect the polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid?

The polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid can be affected by the direction and strength of the current flowing through the solenoid, as well as the material and shape of the solenoid itself. Other external magnetic fields can also influence the polarity of the solenoid.

4. How can the polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid be reversed?

The polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid can be reversed by changing the direction of the current flow through the solenoid. This can be done by either reversing the direction of the power source or by physically changing the connections of the wires to the solenoid.

5. Why is the polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid important?

The polarity of a horseshoe shaped solenoid is important because it determines the direction of the magnetic field created by the solenoid. This can have significant effects on the functionality of the solenoid in applications such as electric motors, electromagnets, and magnetic sensors.

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