Where Am I Going Wrong in Calculating the Force Between Two Bar Magnets?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force between two bar magnets with a copper gap, using the formula F = B∂ * H∂ * A∂. The user initially miscalculated the force due to incorrect unit conversion and omission of a factor of 1/2 in their equation. After correcting the area from 2.5cm² to 0.00025m² and including the factor, the correct force is determined to be approximately 24.87N, aligning with expected results.

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  • Understanding of magnetic flux density (B) and its units (Tesla)
  • Knowledge of magnetic field strength (H) and the permeability of free space (µ0)
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, particularly between cm² and m²
  • Basic grasp of force calculations in electromagnetism
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  • Study the role of permeability in magnetic field strength calculations
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Homework Statement



You're given two bar magnets as shown below. In the gap between the two bar magnets, there's a bit of copper that's 1mm thick. The area of the bar magnet is 2.5cm2, and the flux density is 0.5T. Compute the force between the two bar magnets.

attachment.php?attachmentid=67956&stc=1&d=1395674521.png


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So the force is given by this formula:

F = B * H * A

H = \frac{B<sub>∂</sub>}{µ<sub>0</sub>} = \frac{0.5T}{4∏ * 10^-7} = 397887

F = 0.5T * 397887 * ##2.5cm^2## = 497385.

The answer I get is about 20 000 times bigger than what I'm expecting.

Where am I going wrong?

F is the force.
B is the flux density in the air gap.
H is the field strength in the air gap.
A is the area in the air gap.

I'm sorry for the use of the wrong symbol, but ∂ was the closest I could get.

Also, I realized that I have a gap filled with copper instead of air, just as I was about to post this. I have no examples involving gaps with anything else than air as far as I'm aware. I will keep looking for this and update this post if I find anything.

Any input is appreciated.
 

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Well, for one thing, you are sloppy and inconsistent with the units of your calculation. Is area supposed to be in cm^2 or m^2? It makes a difference.
 
SteamKing said:
Well, for one thing, you are sloppy and inconsistent with the units of your calculation. Is area supposed to be in cm^2 or m^2? It makes a difference.

I'm sorry for this. 2.5cm2 should be 0.00025m2.

Also, I've overlooked the fact that my equation should contain 1/2.

I therefore get 24.87N, and that looks alright.

Thanks for your input, even if it's just to let me know I'm not doing my work properly.
 

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