What is the Inductance per Unit Length of a Solenoid?

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SUMMARY

The inductance per unit length of a solenoid can be calculated using the formula L = (μ * N² * A) / l, where μ is the permeability of free space (4π × 10⁻⁷ H/m), N is the number of turns, A is the cross-sectional area, and l is the length of the solenoid. For a solenoid with a diameter of 4.5 cm and a length of 3 m, the number of turns is determined by dividing the length of the solenoid by the diameter of the wire, specifically N = L/d, where d is the diameter of the wire. The cross-sectional area A is calculated using the formula A = π * (r²), where r is the radius of the wire. The discussion clarifies that π is not needed in the calculation of the number of turns.

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Homework Statement


A solenoid is wound with a single layer of copper wire of radius 0.38 cm. The solenoid is 4.5 cm in diameter and 3 m long. What is the inductance of the solenoid per unit length? Assume that adjacent wires touch each other and that insulation thickness is negligible.

radius of copper wire = 0.0038 m
length of solenoid = 3 m
diameter of solenoid = 0.045 m

Homework Equations


L = (\mu * N^2 * A)/l

where L = inductance
\mu = 4*PI*e-7 (perm. of free space)
N = number of turns
A = cross sectional area
l = length of the solenoid

The Attempt at a Solution



by working backwards, i figured the number of turns = 3/2*\Pi*0.0038, but its not working out any help?
 
Last edited:
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I'm wondering why pi is in your formula for calculating the number of turns?
 
i was thinking that taking the length of the solenoid and dividing that by the circumference of the wire would give me the number of turns
 
I was assuming that the length of the solenoid is not the length of wire needed to construct the solenoid. It is the length of the "form" the wire would be wound on to construct the solenoid.
 
Number of turns = length of the solenoid/ diameter of the wire
 
Ok so number of turns in the solenoid=length of the solenoid/ average diameter of the WIRE used in the solenoid?? do we need to include pi?
 
ckcc said:
Ok so number of turns in the solenoid=length of the solenoid/ average diameter of the WIRE used in the solenoid?? do we need to include pi?

No. number of turn N = L/d where d is the diameter of the wire.
 

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