Why Is My Reasoning Incorrect for the Current in the Resistor?

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a metal bar sliding on conducting rails in a magnetic field. The user initially miscalculates the area A1 as a function of time, incorrectly assuming that the velocity v is constant. The correct approach emphasizes that the rate of change of magnetic flux is determined by the instantaneous speed of the bar, leading to the proper electromotive force (E) expression. The key takeaway is that the rate of flux change depends on the current speed, not an assumed constant speed over time. This clarification aids in understanding the problem and applying the correct equations.
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Homework Statement



This is a Problem 7.7 fom Griffiths Introduction to Electrodynamics (3ed)

A metal bar of mass m slides frictionlessly on two parallel conducting rails a
distance l apart. A resistor R is connected across the rails and a uniform magnetic field B, pointing into page, fills the entire region.

If the bar moves to the right at speed v, what is the current in the resistor ?


Homework Equations



\Phi=BACos\phi
E=\frac{d\Phi}{dt}


The Attempt at a Solution



my reasonig is:

magnetic flux is:
\Phi=BACos\phi=BA=B(A0+A1).

A0 is initial surface, and A1 is surface which bar makes moving to the right with spead v.
so:

A1=x*l=v*t*l , but v is also function of t, so: A1=v(t)*t*l

I know that equation for A1 is wrong, becouse when I try to get electromotive froce
I get this:

E=d\Phi/dt=B(0+v'(t)*t+v(t))

in solution manual it's:

E=Bl*dx/dt=Blv

Can someone explain why my reasoning is wrong, it seams logical to me.
 
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natugnaro said:
A1=x*l=v*t*l , but v is also function of t, so: A1=v(t)*t*l
Setting x = v*t assumes that v is constant.

In any case, what matters is the rate at which flux changes, which depends on the speed at the moment in question:
d(A1) = l*v*dt
d(A1)/dt = l*v, even if v is changing.
 
Last edited:
Ok, than you.
That will help me to answer other question from that problem.
 
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