Spinning conducting disk in magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a spinning conducting disk in a magnetic field, specifically focusing on determining the time taken for the disk to slow down from an initial angular velocity to half of that value. Participants explore the forces and torques acting on the disk due to current flow and magnetic interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the net torque on the disk and the relationship between angular acceleration and angular velocity. Questions arise regarding the presence of an electron source or drain connected to the disk, and the implications of current flow on the system's behavior.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of the forces at play and the effects of induced currents on the disk's motion. Some participants express uncertainty about the setup and its implications, while others provide insights into the expected behavior of the system based on the principles of electromagnetism.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the left-hand rule and its application to the current flow, as well as concerns about charge accumulation at the center of the disk without external connections. These points highlight potential assumptions and constraints in the problem setup.

unscientific
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Homework Statement


I'm supposed to find the time taken for the disk to slow down from ω0 to (1/2)ω0...Here's what I've done:


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Since on each side of the disk there is current flowing into the centre, each side experiences a force F, so the net torque on the system = 2Fa. Then I can find the angular acceleration α from that...
 
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Is there some electron source/drain connected to the disk?

##\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt}=-k\omega##
This gives an exponential decay of ω...
 
mfb said:
Is there some electron source/drain connected to the disk?

##\alpha = \frac{d\omega}{dt}=-k\omega##
This gives an exponential decay of ω...

hmmm not that I know of, but when i apply the left-hand rule to moving electrons on both sides i end up with current moving towards the centre!

The exponential decay is sort of expected, since the force depends on speed of the disk. The faster the disc is spinning, the higher emf induced and higher current and higher force..
 
i sorted it out, thanks!
 
unscientific said:
hmmm not that I know of, but when i apply the left-hand rule to moving electrons on both sides i end up with current moving towards the centre!
Sure, but without external connections, the center would acquire a negative charge, and the resulting field would cancel the magnetic force quickly.
 

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