Rotating Solenoid: Does It Produce EMF?

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    Rotating Solenoid
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether rotating a solenoid in a constant magnetic field produces an electromotive force (EMF). Participants explore the principles of electromagnetic induction, particularly in relation to Faraday's law, and consider various scenarios involving the rotation of coils and magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that rotating a solenoid in a static magnetic field should produce an EMF, drawing parallels to electric generators where EMF is generated by rotating loops.
  • Others question the conditions under which EMF is produced, noting that Faraday's law requires a change in magnetic flux, which may not occur if the magnetic field and area are constant despite the solenoid's rotation.
  • It is mentioned that Faraday's law applies in multiple scenarios, including static loops with changing magnetic fields and loops that are rotated or translated, but the specific type of rotation needed to induce EMF in the solenoid is debated.
  • Some participants propose that both rotating the solenoid in a static magnetic field and rotating a permanent magnet while keeping the solenoid stationary could generate EMF.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether rotating a solenoid in a constant magnetic field produces EMF, with some asserting it does and others emphasizing the need for changing magnetic flux. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions required for EMF generation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of understanding the conditions under which Faraday's law applies, including the need for changing magnetic flux, but do not reach a consensus on how this applies to the rotation of the solenoid.

Kiki
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In the presence of a constant magnetic field, does the action of rotating a solenoid (with a fixed amount of coils) produce an emf?

Thank you!
 
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I think this is the principle behind an electric generator where an EMF gets created anytime even a single loop is rotated in a static magnetic field. It's the opposite of an electric motor where the current is run through the loop in a magnetic field and the loop gets a torque on it.
 
Kiki said:
In the presence of a constant magnetic field, does the action of rotating a solenoid (with a fixed amount of coils) produce an emf?
I agree with Charles. Why would it not?

Do you know which equation to use to calculate the EMF in this situation?
 
berkeman said:
I agree with Charles. Why would it not?

Do you know which equation to use to calculate the EMF in this situation?
I was thinking about Faraday's law, where a change in magnetic flux is necessary for an induced emf.

In this scenario, I am not sure where the changing magnetic flux comes from, since the magnetic field is constant and the area through which the magnetic field lines cross is constant, even if the solenoid itself is spinning (assuming the solenoid has radial symmetry).
 
An additional comment or two for the OP: Faraday's law applies in a couple of different scenarios: 1) The loop can be static and the magnetic field (flux through the loop) increased or decreased. 2) The loop can be rotated in a static field. 3) The loop can be translated and/or be made to change in shape so that the magnetic flux through it varies. In all 3 cases, an EMF results. And to respond to your post #4, the rotation needs to be in such a manner that the magnetic flux through the loop changes in order to get an EMF. You should be able to figure out the type of rotation needed in order to get an EMF in the solenoid.
 
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Charles Link said:
An additional comment or two for the OP: Faraday's law applies in a couple of different scenarios: 1) The loop can be static and the magnetic field (flux through the loop) increased or decreased. 2) The loop can be rotated in a static field. 3) The loop can be translated and/or be made to change in shape so that the magnetic flux through it varies. In all 3 cases, an EMF results. And to respond to your post #4, the rotation needs to be in such a manner that the magnetic flux through the loop changes in order to get an EMF. You should be able to figure out the type of rotation needed in order to get an EMF in the solenoid.
Great, thank you!
 
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Just an additional comment or two: Without googling the subject of electric generators, of which the explanations with all the stator and rotor terms in the construction of the generators can be difficult to follow, I think it is fair to conclude that there are two rather simple ways to generate such an EMF (which will generate a sinusoidal (ac) EMF: 1) You can rotate the solenoid in a static magnetic field or 2) You could rotate the permanent magnet and leave the coil or solenoid stationary. Both methods should work.
 

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