What is the Magnetic Field of a Toroidal Solenoid?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnetic field of a toroidal solenoid with specified inner and outer radii, number of turns, and current. The inquiry focuses on understanding the behavior of the magnetic field at various distances from the center of the torus, particularly regarding the conditions when the distance is less than the inner radius and greater than the outer radius.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Ampere's Law and the implications of current cancellation within the toroidal solenoid. Questions arise about the behavior of the magnetic field when the radius is outside the solenoid's bounds.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the reasoning behind the magnetic field behavior in relation to the solenoid's geometry. Some have provided insights into current cancellation effects, while others seek confirmation of their understanding through diagrams and further questioning.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions regarding current flow and magnetic field behavior, particularly in relation to the defined radii of the solenoid. The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and confusion about the physical principles at play.

frostchaos123
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Homework Statement



A toroidal solenoid has inner radius r1=15.0 cm and outer radius r2=18.0 cm. the solenoid has 250 turns and carries a current of 8.50 A. what is the magnitude of the magnetic field at the following distances from the center of the torus (a) 12.0 cm; (b) 16.0 cm; (c) 20.0 cm?


Homework Equations



Using Ampere's Law, B(2*pi*r) = [tex]\mu[/tex]NI

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer given is that if r < r1, the B is 0 as the I enclosed is 0.

However what i do not understand is that why is when r > r2, the I enclosed is also 0?
If r > r2, shouldn't the circle formed encompass the entire solenoid and thus all of the current?

Thanks.
 
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No. its because again the total current THROUGH the area is 0. current going inwards through one turn is canceled by the current coming outwards in the next turn. try to imagine, did you get it?
 
supratim1 said:
No. its because again the total current THROUGH the area is 0. current going inwards through one turn is canceled by the current coming outwards in the next turn. try to imagine, did you get it?

Not quite sure, but just to double confirm, is my representation of the amperian loop in red correct for r > r2? So do you mean that the current going into the page at the right hand side of the solenoid is canceled by the current coming out of the page on the left hand side?

[URL]http://img130.imageshack.us/i/solenoid.gif/[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
no. every turn's upper part cancels the current of the lower part. got it?
 
ok, i got it, apparently i got the magnetic field and the current flow mixed up.

So to summarise if the loop is bigger than r2, there will be a portion of the current flowing into the surface, and another equal portion coming out of the surface enclosed by the loop

And if the loop is between r1 and r2, then according to the diagram there will be just 1 portion of the current going into the surface and none out.
 

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