Understanding the math of definition of electromotive force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical definition of electromotive force (emf) represented by the equation $$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{r}+\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}$$. Two specific cases are analyzed: one where a current loop moves in a uniform magnetic field, resulting in $$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}$$, and another where the magnetic field changes over time, described by Faraday's law $$\mathcal{E}=-\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}$$. The discussion concludes that both cases are special instances of the broader equation (3), which accounts for scenarios involving both moving loops and time-varying magnetic fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetism principles, specifically Faraday's law of induction.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly Stokes' theorem.
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their interaction with electric currents.
  • Basic understanding of the Lorentz force and its applications in electromotive force calculations.
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  • Explore the derivation and applications of Stokes' theorem in electromagnetism.
  • Investigate the Lorentz force law and its role in calculating forces on charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • Examine advanced topics in electromagnetism, such as Maxwell's equations and their interrelations.
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zenterix
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Homework Statement
Force on an electric charge is given by

$$\vec{F}=q(\vec{E}+\vec{v}\times\vec{B})\tag{1}$$
Relevant Equations
Emf is defined as the integral of the force per unit charge around a current loop.

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C\frac{d\vec{F}}{dq}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{2}$$
Does this mean we can write the following?

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{r}+\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{3}$$

I haven't seen an equation like the above in my books and notes yet.

What I have seen are two cases.

In one case, we have a uniform magnetic field and we move the current loop in the field in such a way that we have changing magnetic flux.

A simple example of this is a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable. This side has velocity ##\vec{v}## and so experiences the effect of a magnetic force ##\vec{v}\times\vec{B}##.

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{4}$$

Is the ##\vec{E}## term zero in (1) for this case?

In a second case, the conducting loop does not move but the magnetic field is allowed to change in time.

We get an induced emf in the loop but we can't explain it with the Lorentz force.

We explain it with a new law of nature, Faraday's law, which says that

$$\nabla\times \vec{E}=-\frac{\partial\vec{B}}{\partial t}\tag{5}$$

If we integrate both sides along a surface ##S##, then by Stokes' theorem the lhs side is

$$\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=\iint_S(\nabla\times \vec{E})\cdot d\vec{a}\tag{6}$$

and so

$$\oint_{C} \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=\iint_S (\nabla\times\vec{E})\cdot\hat{n}da=-\iint_S\frac{\partial \vec{B}}{\partial t}\cdot \hat{n}da\tag{7}$$

Note that the first equality is from Stokes' theorem and the second is from Faraday's law.

We can rewrite as

$$\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=-\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\iint_S \vec{B}\cdot \hat{n}da=-\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}\tag{8}$$

and so

$$\mathcal{E}=-\frac{\partial\Phi_B}{dt}\tag{9}$$

So my question is about comparing the equations

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}$$

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{r}$$

Are these just special cases of (3)?
 
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zenterix said:
In one case, we have a uniform magnetic field and we move the current loop in the field in such a way that we have changing magnetic flux.A simple example of this is a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable.

zenterix said:
In a second case, the conducting loop does not move but the magnetic field is allowed to change in time.

Combination of these,i.e. we have time changing magnetic field and we have a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable, would requires the formula (3) to explain its emf.
 
Last edited:

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