Problems with electromagnetic fields

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on drawing accurate magnetic field lines for a given diagram and determining the force direction on a conductor using the right-hand rule. Participants note that while the direction of the force is correct, the shape of the magnetic field lines drawn is not entirely accurate, particularly around a horseshoe magnet. Suggestions include using resources like Google Images for better representations of field distributions and experimenting with iron filings to visualize the field shape. The consensus is that while precision is important, the primary goal is to understand the force direction rather than achieving perfect accuracy in the drawing. Overall, the emphasis is on improving the diagram for better clarity in understanding electromagnetic fields.
CAT 2
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Homework Statement


Copy the following diagram and draw field lines for both magnetic fields. Then, use them to determine the direction of the force acting on the conductor. HINT: Check your answer, using the right - hand rule for the motor principle.
Their diagram:
ScreenShot_20180126153453.png


2. Relevant equation
n/a

The Attempt at a Solution



My diagram:
IMG_0507.JPG



Did I do this correctly? Thanks for any replies![/B]
 

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The B-field diagram isn't very accurate in shape (but the direction is okay), and given that the current is our of the page at us, the qVxB force is in the direction you have drawn. Maybe use Google Images to figure out how to draw a more accurate horseshoe magnet B-field distribution. :smile:
 
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Thanks. So what you are saying is that my circles aren't quite symmetrical, which they should probably be?
 
The field around the wire is fine. The field lines between the poles of the horseshoe magnet will not be circular. They are more like catenaries (stretched rubber bands). If you have iron filings handy, you can delineate the shape of the field and see for yourself.
 
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This is how they taught me, does it mean anything to you about if mine is ok or not?
ScreenShot_20180126211316.png
 

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CAT 2 said:
...does it mean anything to you about if mine is ok or not?
Your answer is good. The problem asks you to draw the field lines, but your drawing only needs to be accurate enough to determine the direction of the force. (The field of the permanent magnet will squash the circular lines surrounding the wire to some degree, for example, but that nicety is overkill here.)
 
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