Terminal velocity of loop falling through magnetic field

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SUMMARY

The terminal velocity of a square loop falling through a magnetic field is determined by balancing gravitational force and magnetic force. The equation for terminal velocity is derived as v_t = mg/B, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and B is the magnetic field strength. However, this approach neglects the energy losses due to resistance in the loop, which must be accounted for as the current increases with velocity. The power loss due to resistance, given by I²R, must equal the mechanical power supplied by gravity, m*g*v, to accurately determine terminal velocity.

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Homework Statement



https://physicsforums-bernhardtmediall.netdna-ssl.com/data/attachments/72/72755-bc8e4b32405460abcfa2d8e4880f7037.jpg

I'm trying to figure out the terminal velocity of the loop as it falls through the magnetic field (figure 7.20).

3. The Attempt at a Solution


The terminal velocity will happen when

[tex]\vec{F} = 0[/tex]

i.e.

[tex]mg = \vec{f}_{mag}[/tex]
But we know:

[tex]\oint \vec{f}_{mag} . d\vec{l} = vBl[/tex]

So

[tex]\vec{f}_{mag} = vB[/tex]

[tex]v_t = \frac{mg}{B}[/tex]

Why is this wrong?
 

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You have to regard the energy/power in the system. The square loop has some dimensions which have influence in the resistance, R, of the loop. So as the velocity of the loop increases, the voltage and thus the current will increase, leading to a power loss = I2 * R.

This power loss must match the mechanical power supplied = m*g*v.

See the note: The dimensions of the square will cancel out.
It think it's right.
 

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