Time constant of a Toroidal Solenoid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the time constant of a toroidal solenoid, specifically examining how changes in the number of loops affect the self-inductance and resistance, and consequently the time constant. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to the properties of inductors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the time constant remains unchanged when the number of loops is doubled because the ratio of self-inductance to resistance (L/R) stays the same.
  • Another participant challenges the derivation of resistance when the number of loops is doubled, prompting a discussion on the relationship between resistance, resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area of the wire.
  • A participant asserts that resistance will increase due to the use of a longer wire when the number of loops is doubled, proposing that this leads to a new resistance value of R2 = 2R1.
  • Another participant agrees with the previous claim, stating that the time constant will be two times longer based on the changes in L and R.
  • There is an expression of gratitude for the responses provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how the resistance and time constant change when the number of loops is doubled. There is no clear consensus on the correct interpretation of the relationships involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific equations and relationships, but there are unresolved assumptions regarding the derivation of resistance and the implications of doubling the number of loops on the overall system.

Abo
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Homework Statement
It says that you have a Toroidal Solenoid that has a certain self inductance L and an inner resistance (self resistance) R. So it has a time constant (tawo). Now if you double the number of loops of this solenoid, without changing anything else, what will the time constant be?
Relevant Equations
Φ = B * A
B = (μ0 * N * I) /2 π r
L = N (Φ / I)
Is my solution reasonable?
What I got from my first attempt is that the time constant won't change. WHY? Because when we double the number of loops (N) we're going to have new values for both the self inductance and the resistance of the solenoid and so the ratio (L/R) stays the same. Here is a photo of my solution .
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Check your derivation of ##R_2=4R_1##. What is the equation for the resistance in terms of the resistivity, length and cross sectional area of the wire? What changes and what does not when you double the number of loops?
 
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resistance = resistivity * length / area
well it is obvious that the resistance will increase when using a longer wire.

length = N * (μ0 * I)/B
is it right to say that"double N" gives us "double length" here?
if so it is, then R2 = 2R1
and the time constant will be two times longer.
Am I right this time? :smile:
 
You are right. The time constant is ##\tau=L/R##. ##L## increases by a factor of 4, ##R## increases by a factor of 2, therefore the ratio increases by a factor of ##4/2=2##.
 
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Thank you for taking the time to answer! :smile: I appreciate it!
 
You are welcome.
 

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