The slopes of these graphs represent what? (Magnetic Fields)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of slopes from graphs related to magnetic fields in a lab setting. Participants explore the relationship between current and magnetic field strength, as well as the reciprocal of distance and magnetic field strength, while seeking to understand the physical significance of these slopes and their implications for calculations involving permeability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the slope of the current vs. magnetic field graph is interpreted as "magnetic field per current," which relates to physical constants and the number of windings in a loop.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the representation of the slope and mentions a significant deviation in their calculated permeability compared to the known value.
  • There is a suggestion that the equations for magnetic field can be rearranged to express relationships in different forms, although the need for specific variables like the number of windings (N) is questioned.
  • Participants discuss the applicability of different equations based on whether the setup involves a straight wire or a coil with multiple windings.
  • One participant confirms their setup involves a straight wire and seeks clarification on which equation to use, indicating a preference for the first equation provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of the slopes or the appropriate equations to use, with multiple competing views on the relevance of the number of windings and the setup of the experiment.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct application of equations and the significance of the slopes, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the underlying physics and the specific experimental setup.

RockThis52
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For a magnetic fields lab I am asked to graph the data and from there, use the slope to find a certain value.

For one of them, I am asked to plot the current (x) vs the magnetic field (y).
The slope is supposed to give me a value, I have the slope, no clue what the value would represent. After some research I found that people are saying it represents the loops?

No clue what that is.

Anyway I also have to plot the distance (1/r) (x) vs the magnetic field strength (y) and the slope is supposed to be the permeability of a vacuum. I get 2E-7. Using 4piE-7, that's a deviation of 85%. I do have a feeling something is not right here.

Units for 1/r, are 1/m and units for magnetic field are T, while units for current are A.

Relevant equations:

B=(µ0I)/2πr
B=(µ0NI)/2R

This is no homework question, in fact I don't need a numerical answer. I just need to know if I'm on the right track.

Thanks.
 
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For one of them, I am asked to plot the current (x) vs the magnetic field (y).
The slope is supposed to give me a value, I have the slope, no clue what the value would represent. After some research I found that people are saying it represents the loops?

No clue what that is.
The slope is "magnetic field per current", and this is proportional to physical constants and the number of windings in your loop.
Anyway I also have to plot the distance (1/r) (x) vs the magnetic field strength (y) and the slope is supposed to be the permeability of a vacuum. I get 2E-7. Using 4piE-7, that's a deviation of 85%. I do have a feeling something is not right here.
That cannot work, the units (and physics) do not match. Can you post the full problem statement?
 
Yup.

5. Plot a graph of magnetic field vs. the reciprocal of the distance from the center of the
conductor. Use Logger Pro or another graphing tool. Page 2 of the experiment file is set
up for this graph.
6. Calculate the permeability of the air from the slope of this graph. How does it compare
with the permeability of the vacuum?
 
"Calculate" is better. You can rearrange your equations for B to have the form B*r = ...

This is equivalent to B/(1/r)= and the slope of your graph. You have to know I (and probably N), too.
 
Oh, that makes total sense. I do have I, but N why do I need? Can't I use the first equation I posted?
 
If your coil has multiple windings, you have to take that into account.
If you have a straight wire, things are different.

Both formulas apply to different situations, I don't know which setup you have.
 
Well my set up was just a straight wire, so I'm assuming I use the first equation since there are no visible windings? Either way I could rearrange in both equations, correct?
 
Either way I could rearrange in both equations, correct?
This is possible, but you still have to use the correct one - the first one, in this case.
 

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