What is the Inductance per Unit Length of a Solenoid?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the inductance per unit length of a solenoid constructed from copper wire. The solenoid's dimensions, including its diameter and length, are provided, along with the radius of the wire used. Participants are exploring the relationship between the physical dimensions of the solenoid and the formula for inductance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the number of turns in the solenoid, questioning the use of π in the formula. Some suggest dividing the length of the solenoid by the circumference of the wire, while others propose using the diameter of the wire directly.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering different interpretations of how to calculate the number of turns. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach, but several lines of reasoning are being explored regarding the relationship between the solenoid's dimensions and the inductance formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the insulation thickness is negligible and that adjacent wires touch each other. There is also a consideration of whether the length of the solenoid refers to the length of wire needed or the form on which the wire is wound.

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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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