What is the current flowing through the aluminum rod on tilted conducting rails?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the current flowing through an aluminum rod sliding down tilted conducting rails in a vertical magnetic field. The key formula mentioned is Fb = ILBsinθ, but participants are struggling to find the magnetic force due to the absence of acceleration, as the rod moves at a constant velocity. The weight of the rod and the equilibrium condition are emphasized, suggesting that the forces acting on the rod must balance. Participants are encouraged to consider the gravitational force and its relationship with the magnetic force to solve for the current. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the equilibrium state of the system to determine the current accurately.
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The two conducting rails in the drawing are tilted upwards so they make an angle of 30.0° with respect to the ground. The vertical magnetic field has a magnitude of 0.055 T. The 0.22 kg aluminum rod (length = 1.6 m) slides without friction down the rails at a constant velocity. How much current flows through the bar?
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I know the formula to use is Fb = ILBsin0

What isn't given plainly is the Magnetic force. I tried to use F= m x a to find this force, but there is no acceleration. I tried plugging in 1, giving the F a value of .22kg and that didn't work. Then I tried dividing it by two since there are two rails, still didn't work.

What am I missing?
 
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Don't forget that the rod has weight and is in equilibrium.
 

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