Why Does Wire Orientation Affect the Motor Effect in Electromagnets?

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    Catapult Magnetism
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The discussion centers on why an electromagnetic wire does not exhibit a motor effect when aligned parallel to a permanent magnet's magnetic field, as both fields are synchronized and lack a motive force for movement. The "catapult effect," which occurs when current flows through wires in a magnetic field, raises questions about the influence of wire thickness on this phenomenon. A thicker wire may enhance the catapult effect, potentially due to increased mass or the presence of eddy currents, although the exact mechanics are debated. The Lorentz Force is identified as a key concept in understanding these effects. Overall, the relationship between wire orientation, thickness, and electromagnetic forces remains a complex topic requiring further exploration.
Josielle Abdilla
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Hii... can someone explain to me why the electromagnetic wire doesn't experience any motor effect when in parallel to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet? And why does a thicker wire increases the catapult effect?
Ty in advance :)
 
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I had to look up the term.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catapult_effect said:
In electromagnetics, the catapult effect is a phenomenon occurring when a current is passed through two wires connected by a loose wire in a magnetic field. The loose wire is then catapultedhorizontally away from the magnetic field. This occurs due to the magnetic forces acting in the wires and in the magnetic field itself.
 
Josielle Abdilla said:
And why does a thicker wire increases the catapult effect?
That sounds counter-intuitive... do you have a reference which shows this? Like anorlunda, I'm unfamiliar with this subject.
 
anorlunda said:
I suspect that the real topic is the Lorentz Force
I assumed that, but I'm curious how a larger mass of conductor would incur a greater force... A larger current obviously would but a larger conductor with the same current? Suprising.

The only thing I can think of is eddy currents.
 
Josielle Abdilla said:
Hii... can someone explain to me why the electromagnetic wire doesn't experience any motor effect when in parallel to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet? And why does a thicker wire increases the catapult effect?
Ty in advance :)
Your first question is quite obvious. Imagine an electromagnet exerting a magnetic field towards the right. This means, that for practical purposes, it has a magnetic field going to the right. Then, we have a magnet also exerting its magnetic field to the right. Both the magnetic fields are "in sync" with each other. There is no motive for either magnetic fields to move at all. They are perfect.

As for your second question, I don't think I have the expertise.
 
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