Why Does Voltage Versus Energy Exchange in an Electromagnet Show a Linear Trend?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observed linear trend in a graph plotting energy exchange (in joules) against voltage for an electromagnet, following experiments where the electromagnet's temperature change was measured in water. Participants are exploring the underlying reasons for this trend and whether it aligns with theoretical expectations, particularly in relation to Joule's First Law and Ohm's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an experiment measuring the temperature change of water to determine energy transfer in an electromagnet, noting a linear trend in the energy versus voltage graph.
  • The participant expresses uncertainty about the applicability of Joule's First Law and questions whether the trend should be linear or parabolic based on theoretical expectations.
  • Another participant acknowledges the complexity of the question and suggests that it will require significant effort to address all aspects.
  • A later reply expresses appreciation for the initial inquiry but does not provide any additional insights or explanations regarding the trend.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the explanation for the observed linear trend, and multiple viewpoints regarding the theoretical implications remain unaddressed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks clarity on the assumptions made in the experiments, the definitions of variables involved, and whether any mathematical steps were overlooked in the analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying electromagnetism, experimental physics, or anyone exploring the relationship between voltage and energy transfer in electrical systems.

Da Apprentice
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In order to determine the temperature that an electromagnet reached after a 3 minute period the electromagnet was placed in a constant volume of water. After 3 minutes the change in temperature of the water was measured and from this using the equation Q=mcΔT the energy in joules transferred was calculated. This same process was repeated for the same electromagnet functioning at a different voltage. Graphing the joules exchanged for each experiment against the voltage that the electromagnet was run at produced what appears to be a linear trend.

Why this trend occurred is unknown. It was thought that the trend would be parabolic due to the following;

Joule's First Law: Q=k*I^2*R

Ohms Law: V=I*R (hence I=V/R)

Substitution gives: Q=(k*V^2)/R

I'm not sure if joules law is the correct law to use in this case and so this is most likely why I'm wrong. Can anyone explain why the result would be linear or confirm that it should in fact have been parabolic.

Thanks
Z.C
 
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I have to tell you Da Apprentice:, you have asked a very complicated, multi-part question. It will be a lot of work for us to answer all parts. And our forum rules still apply, you have to do most of the work.
 
Good one Darren

But seriously can anyone explain why the result would be linear or confirm that it should in fact have been parabolic? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Z.C
 
Yes,

Thanks,
DDZ
 

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