Variation in EMF of a magnet moving through a Coil

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the variation in electromotive force (EMF) induced when a magnet moves through a coil, specifically comparing the behavior of a coil moving through a magnetic field versus a magnet falling through a coil. Participants explore the relationship between the motion of the magnet, the induced EMF, and the changing magnetic flux.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that as a coil enters a magnetic field, the induced EMF should produce a straight line graph with a constant gradient that decreases to zero once fully within the field.
  • Others argue that when a magnet is dropped through a coil, the EMF graph appears as a smooth pulse rather than a straight line, raising questions about the reasons for this difference.
  • There is a discussion about the conditions under which the EMF decreases to zero, with some noting that it is due to no change in the magnetic flux linking the coil when the motion is parallel to the magnetic field.
  • Some participants highlight that the magnet's acceleration should lead to an increasing number of magnetic field lines being cut, suggesting a change in flux, yet the EMF still falls to zero for a period.
  • One participant clarifies that the formula EMF = BLV applies only when the velocity is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, indicating that the orientation of motion affects the induced EMF.
  • There is a mention of the non-uniformity of the magnet's magnetic field compared to a uniform magnetic field, which influences the behavior of the induced EMF.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the behavior of EMF when a magnet moves through a coil, with no consensus reached on the reasons for the observed differences in EMF profiles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise relationship between the motion of the magnet and the induced EMF.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the uniformity of the magnetic field and the specific conditions under which the EMF is calculated. The discussion also highlights the dependence on the orientation of the coil and the magnet's motion relative to the magnetic field lines.

elemis
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NOTE : My Current question and source of debate is in post number 10.








Lets say I have a square coil.

I accelerate it in a direction such that it is perpendicular to a magnetic field directed into the page.

As it enters the field and before it is completely in the field an INCREASING EMF will be induced.

The graph of EMF against time would be a straight line graph of CONSTANT GRADIENT through the origin which decreases to zero instantaneously once it is completely in the magnetic field, correct ?

http://www.a-levelphysicstutor.com/field-electro-mag-ind.php

Now, here we have a magnet being dropped into a coil.

The graph of EMF against time is more of a smooth pulse...

I have two questions :

1.) Why is it not a straight line that has constant gradient that then decreases instantaneously to zero ?

2.) Why does the EMF decrease to zero ? I know its because no lines of force are cut by the coil, but I cannot see how this is the case. I'm having trouble visualising it.
 
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hi elemis! :smile:
elemis said:
2.) Why does the EMF decrease to zero ? I know its because no lines of force are cut by the coil, but I cannot see how this is the case. I'm having trouble visualising it.[/B]


it's not that no lines of force are cut,

it's that the number of lines of force that are cut is not changing (or not noticeably changing, when the magnet is a long way away)

zero change => zero emf :wink:
1.) Why is it not a straight line that has constant gradient that then decreases instantaneously to zero ?

not following you :redface: … why should it be? :confused:
 
But the magnet is accelerating is it not ? Hence, the number of lines of force cut per unit time is INCREASING... Hence, there is a change in magnetic flux from one moment to the next.

Well, if you accelerate a coil through a magnetic field you get a straight line of constant gradient that then decreases to zero once the whole coil is in the field, correct ?

Why doesn't the same apply here ?
 
tiny-tim said:
x

This a diagram from my A Level Physics textbook.

It clearly shows a long stretch where EMF = 0. The explanation given is as follows:
there is no change in the flux linking the coil as the motion is parallel to the magnetic field.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0223.jpg
    IMG_0223.jpg
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hi elemis! :smile:
elemis said:
But the magnet is accelerating is it not ? Hence, the number of lines of force cut per unit time is INCREASING... Hence, there is a change in magnetic flux from one moment to the next.

yes, but when the magnet is a long way away, that increasing number is negligibly small, so the change in flux is negligible
Well, if you accelerate a coil through a magnetic field you get a straight line of constant gradient that then decreases to zero once the whole coil is in the field, correct ?
elemis said:
This a diagram from my A Level Physics textbook.

It clearly shows a long stretch where EMF = 0. The explanation given is as follows:
there is no change in the flux linking the coil as the motion is parallel to the magnetic field.

that's a uniform magnetic field …

a magnet's magnetic field is highly non-uniform
 
tiny-tim said:
hi elemis! :smile:


yes, but when the magnet is a long way away, that increasing number is negligibly small, so the change in flux is negligible

Thank you for staying online and helping me but I'm afraid I don't understand. Isn't the magnet accelerating whilst INSIDE the coil ?

tiny-tim said:
that's a uniform magnetic field …

a magnet's magnetic field is highly non-uniform

Ah, I see. Yes, that clears that issue up.
 
elemis said:
Isn't the magnet accelerating whilst INSIDE the coil ?

yes, and that's why the graph is curvy :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
yes, and that's why the graph is curvy :smile:
But then why does it decrease to zero and remain at zero for so long ? (see second attachment).

Now that I think about it, it should be a smooth change over from a positive emf to a negative emf as shown in the first picture...
 
elemis said:
But then why does it decrease to zero and remain at zero for so long ? (see second attachment).

Now that I think about it, it should be a smooth change over from a positive emf to a negative emf as shown in the first picture...

ohh, i thought we were talking about the first picture

ok, in the second picture there's a vertical solenoid (with no battery), and a very small magnet dropping through it

so long as the magnet is well inside the solenoid, the number of field lines being cut at any instant (the flux) is constant, irrespective of the speed

remember, the speed at which they're cut doesn't matter, what matters is the difference in the number being cut at any instant, from one instant to another :wink:
 
  • #10
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45876&d=1333537181

No, you're failing to see my point.

EMF = BLV

If the magnet is traveling at 0.1 m/s it will cut 3 (just a random number) coils in the solenoid.

Since its accelerating it is now at a speed of, let's say, 0.3 m/s. Therefore, in one second it will travel further than previously and hence cut MORE coils in the same time.

So why does the EMF fall to zero for so long ?
 
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  • #11
ah, no, BLv only applies when v is in the plane of the wire, ie when the plane of the wire is crossing the B field lines (as opposed to moving along them)

BLv comes from emf = d/dt (flux) = d/dt (BA) where A is area cut by the flux = d/dt (BLW) where L is length inside the B field and W is width

now if the loop is entering the B field sideways on (in its own plane), with the L sides at back and front, so that L stays the same while W increases, then dW/dt = v, and so …
emf = BLv​

see the diagram at http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/elevol.html#c3 (hyperphysics has the best diagrams! :approve:)

comparing your example with that diagram, your magnet, which is pointing vertically, is coming out of the page, but your wire isn't moving across the field lines, it's moving along them …

the number of dots (field lines) that your wire encloses is staying the same :wink:
 
  • #12
Yes ! I finally understand ! Thank you Tiny Tim ! :)
 

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