Solving Heat Energy Dissipation for a Falling Magnet

AI Thread Summary
A magnet weighing 0.10 kg is dropped through a 35.0 cm copper tube, inducing eddy currents that heat the copper. The magnet emerges at a speed of 1.50 m/s, leading to a calculated potential energy of 0.3433 J based on its height. The discussion raises questions about the energy loss due to the induced currents and how much heat energy is dissipated to the environment. It highlights that the kinetic energy of the magnet is less than it would be without the tube, indicating energy conversion into heat. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between the magnet's potential energy, kinetic energy, and the heat generated in the copper.
carpelumen
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Homework Statement


A magnet of mass 0.10 kg is dropped from rest and falls vertically through a 35.0 cm copper tube. Eddy currents are induced, causing the copper to warm up. The speed of the magnet as it emerges from the tube is 1.50 m/s. How much heat energy is dissipated to the environment?

Homework Equations


E = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


h = 35 cm --> .35 m

E = (.10 kg) * (9.81) * (.35 m) = .3433 J

Is the equation incorrect?
 
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carpelumen said:

Homework Statement


A magnet of mass 0.10 kg is dropped from rest and falls vertically through a 35.0 cm copper tube. Eddy currents are induced, causing the copper to warm up. The speed of the magnet as it emerges from the tube is 1.50 m/s. How much heat energy is dissipated to the environment?

Homework Equations


E = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


h = 35 cm --> .35 m

E = (.10 kg) * (9.81) * (.35 m) = .3433 J

Is the equation incorrect?

It is the initial energy if you take the potential energy zero at the bottom of the tube. But what is the loss of energy?

ehild
 
carpelumen said:

Homework Statement


A magnet of mass 0.10 kg is dropped from rest and falls vertically through a 35.0 cm copper tube. Eddy currents are induced, causing the copper to warm up. The speed of the magnet as it emerges from the tube is 1.50 m/s. How much heat energy is dissipated to the environment?

Homework Equations


E = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


h = 35 cm --> .35 m

E = (.10 kg) * (9.81) * (.35 m) = .3433 J

Is the equation incorrect?
What happens to the P.E. that you have just calculated the magnet loses?
 
An illustrative experiment on this issue
 
Jakob Weg said:
An illustrative experiment on this issue

Good! We note that a larger-diameter tube slows the magnet down more than a smaller-diameter one, following emf = -dΦ/dt. Also that Cu slowed the magnet down more than did Al or brass, following i = emf/R. Vielen Dank!
 
carpelumen said:

Homework Statement


A magnet of mass 0.10 kg is dropped from rest and falls vertically through a 35.0 cm copper tube. Eddy currents are induced, causing the copper to warm up. The speed of the magnet as it emerges from the tube is 1.50 m/s. How much heat energy is dissipated to the environment?

Homework Equations


E = mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


h = 35 cm --> .35 m

E = (.10 kg) * (9.81) * (.35 m) = .3433 J

Is the equation incorrect?
That's the kinetic energy (k.e.) that would have developed in the absence of the copper tube. What was the k.e. with the tube?
 
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