What is the magnetic flux through the desk?

AI Thread Summary
The magnetic field intensity in Edmonton decreased from 57652 nT in March 2012 to 57569 nT in February 2013, with a magnetic inclination of +75 degrees. To calculate the magnetic flux through a horizontal desk with an area of 900 cm², the formula used is Φ = BAcos(θ). The user initially calculated the angle as 15 degrees and obtained a flux value of 0.0000050050 Tm², which was incorrect. The discussion highlights the importance of accuracy in significant figures and the presentation of the answer in scientific notation.
monnapomona
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Homework Statement


The total magnetic field intensity at the location of Edmonton was 57652 nT on March 20, 2012, when I first wrote this question. Now, on Feb. 19, 2013, it is 57569 nT. The magnetic inclination is +75 degrees (i.e., it points downward at an angle of 75 degrees with respect to the horizontal). This site will tell you the current value of the Earth's magnetic field parameters at any location you choose.

Consider the desk you sit at in our class. Let us estimate that it has an area of about 900 cm^2 and is horizontal. Given the values of the magnetic field I listed for Feb. 19, 2013, what was the magnetic flux through the desk? Use SI units.

Note: Calculate and enter your answer with at least 5 significant digits. I had to make the accepted range of values in this answer quite small.


Homework Equations



\Phi = BAcos\vartheta


The Attempt at a Solution



I used A = 0.09 m^2 and B = 57569 x 10^-9. For the angle, I used 90 deg - 75 deg = 15 deg.

\Phi = (57569 x 10^-9 T)(0.09 m^2)cos(15)
= 0.0000050050 Tm^2

This was wrong in my online assignment. Not sure where I'm going wrong with this... Am I using the wrong angle?
 
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monnapomona said:
\Phi = (57569 x 10^-9 T)(0.09 m^2)cos(15)
= 0.0000050050 Tm^2

This was wrong in my online assignment. Not sure where I'm going wrong with this... Am I using the wrong angle?

Everything looks good, except the answer you give is not quite accurate to 5 significant figures. Also, scientific notation will make it look nicer.:approve:
 
TSny said:
Everything looks good, except the answer you give is not quite accurate to 5 significant figures. Also, scientific notation will make it look nicer.:approve:

Oh I see now! Thank you for your help and clarification! :smile:
 
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