What Is the Magnetic Field at the Center of a Solenoid?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the magnetic field at the center of a solenoid, specifically focusing on a solenoid with given dimensions and current. The subject area is electromagnetism, particularly the behavior of magnetic fields in solenoids.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula used for calculating the magnetic field and question the validity of the original poster's approach. There is a consideration of whether the teacher's expectations differ regarding the calculation of magnetic flux density versus magnetic field strength.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants comparing their calculations and questioning the teacher's specified answer. Some participants suggest that the discrepancy might stem from a misunderstanding of what was being asked, indicating a productive exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the teacher's insistence on a specific answer, which raises questions about the interpretation of the problem and the definitions being used. The original poster's calculations and the teacher's expectations appear to be at odds, leading to further inquiry into the assumptions made.

kiltfish
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This is driving me insane. This is all I can think of to do, and my teacher said it was wrong.

A solenoid of length 0.25m and radius 0.025m is comprised of 440 turns of wire. Determine the magnitude of the magnetic field at the center of the solenoid when it carries a current of 12 A.



B=u(N/L)I

B=0.0265 T
 
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I don't see what's wrong with that. Unless your teacher wants you to compute the magnetic flux density rather than the field strength?
 
Apparently he insists that the answer is 2.21 x 10-3 T. I don't think that's what you would get calculating for the magnetic flux density, but if it is, how can you tell he's asking for that is the problem? I gave you the exact words he asked.
 
Let's see how his answer compares to the one you (and I) calculate:

(2.654 x 10^-2 T)/(2.21 x 10^-3 T) = 12.0

His answer seems to be 1/12 of the value that we think it should be. Could it be that he wanted the field strength per amp of current?
 

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