Square copper wire loop within a magnetic field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a square copper wire loop placed in a magnetic field, focusing on the induced current, magnetic force, and resulting acceleration as the loop falls under gravity. The problem involves concepts from electromagnetism and mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the induced current and magnetic force on the loop, expressing uncertainty about the direction of the current and its implications for the force. Participants suggest referencing Lenz's law and Faraday's law to clarify these concepts.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the relationships between induced current, magnetic force, and acceleration. Some guidance has been offered regarding relevant laws, but there is no explicit consensus on the direction of the current or the balancing of forces at terminal velocity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the setup, such as the loop's resistance and mass, and the effects of gravity and magnetic fields on the loop's motion. There is an acknowledgment of the need to determine the direction of current to proceed with calculations.

cookiemnstr510510
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Homework Statement



In the figures below, a copper wire of circular cross section, A, has been bent into a square loop of side length, c, and arc welded at the seam for electrical continuity. Assume that the resulting square loop has a resistance, R, and a mass, M. The loop is originally held between the poles of a large magnet such that the entire loop is within the B-field except for the very bottom wore segment (Magfield2.jpg) When the loop is released, it begins to fall under the influence of gravity.

a) what is the magnitude and orientation of the current generated in the wire loop when it has non zero speed, V?

b) What is the magnitude and direction of the resulting magnetic force on the wire loop when it has non-zero speed, v?

c) use Newtons second law to describe the resulting acceleration of the wire loop

d) use your prior answers to describe the terminal speed in terms of the given quantities.

Homework Equations


ε=vlB
I=ε/R

The Attempt at a Solution


A) I=##\frac{ε}{R}##=##\frac{vlB}{R}##=##\frac{vcB}{R}##
I see that the magnetic flux is decreasing, but not sure how to figure out the direction.
B)So when it has nonzero speed this means it is dropping. Less and less of the wire loop is within the magnetic field.
Without knowing the direction of the current I cannot calculate the direction of force, however let's put that aside for a second.
I can still say:
F=ILxB=ILBsin(90)=ILB=##\frac{vcB}{R}##(cB)=##\frac{B^2vc^2}{R}##
The RHR will prescribe the direction of force once I know which direction the current is flowing
C)F=ma→a=##\frac{F}{m}##=##\frac{B^2vc^2}{Rm}##
D)Just solve the above for v?
 

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Check out Lenz's law, Faraday's Law.
 
gneill said:
Check out Lenz's law, Faraday's Law.
Ahh okay, I haven't got there yet. Ill check it out
 
cookiemnstr510510 said:
F=ILxB=ILBsin(90)=ILB=##\frac{vcB}{R}##(cB)=##\frac{B^2vc^2}{R}##
So far, so good. (Of course you need to find the direction of current).
The RHR will prescribe the direction of force once I know which direction the current is flowing
C)F=ma→a=##\frac{F}{m}##=##\frac{B^2vc^2}{Rm}##
D)Just solve the above for v?
Well, what is F? Do you see forces balancing so there even IS a terminal velocity?
 

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