Chapter 7: Problem 15
A long solenoid with radius \(a\) and \(n\) turns per unit length carries a time- dependent current \(I(t)\) in the \(\hat{\phi}\) direction. Find the electric field (magnitude and direction) at a distance \(s\) from the axis (both inside and outside the solenoid), in the quasistatic approximation.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Inside: \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n s}{2} \frac{dI}{dt} \),
Outside: \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n a^2}{2s} \frac{dI}{dt} \) (both opposed to \( \hat{\phi} \)).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
We need to find the electric field both inside and outside a long solenoid carrying a time-dependent current. The current's change induces an electric field due to Faraday's Law.
02
Apply Faraday's Law for Inside the Solenoid
Inside the solenoid (0 \leq s \leq a), we use Faraday's Law of Induction in integral form: \( \oint \mathbf{E} \cdot d\mathbf{l} = - \frac{d\Phi}{dt} \), where \( \Phi \) is the magnetic flux. The path of integration is a circle of radius \( s \).
03
Calculate Magnetic Flux Change Inside
The magnetic field inside the solenoid is uniform and given by \( B(t) = \mu_0 n I(t) \). The flux \( \Phi = B \times \text{area} = \mu_0 n I(t) \pi s^2 \). Differentiating with respect to time: \( \frac{d\Phi}{dt} = \mu_0 n \pi s^2 \frac{dI}{dt} \).
04
Determine Electric Field Inside
For a path length \( l = 2\pi s \), apply Faraday's Law: \( E \cdot 2\pi s = -\mu_0 n \pi s^2 \frac{dI}{dt} \). Solve for \( E \): \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n s}{2} \frac{dI}{dt} \) with direction opposing \( \hat{\phi} \).
05
Apply Faraday's Law for Outside the Solenoid
Outside the solenoid (a < s), the magnetic flux inside the loop of radius \( s \) is \( \Phi = B \pi a^2 \) since the field is zero outside.
06
Calculate Electric Field Outside
Substitute \( \Phi = \mu_0 n I(t) \pi a^2 \) in Faraday's Law: \( E \cdot 2\pi s = -\mu_0 n \pi a^2 \frac{dI}{dt} \). Solve for \( E \): \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n a^2}{2s} \frac{dI}{dt} \) with direction opposing \( \hat{\phi} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Faraday's Law
Faraday's Law is a fundamental principle of electromagnetism that describes how a changing magnetic field can induce an electric field. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in Faraday's Law of Induction, which in integral form is expressed as:
- \( \oint \mathbf{E} \cdot d\mathbf{l} = - \frac{d\Phi}{dt} \)
- The "line integral" of the electric field calculates the total electric effect along a path.
- The "magnetic flux" \(\Phi\) is the product of the magnetic field \(B\) and the area it penetrates, aligning perpendicularly.
- A negative sign indicates the induced electric field opposes the change in magnetic flux, consistent with Lenz's Law.
Solenoid
A solenoid is an essential electrical component that consists of a tightly coiled wire. It serves as a simple way to create a strong, uniform magnetic field within its confines when an electric current passes through it. Here are some key points about solenoids:
- The magnetic field inside a solenoid is almost uniform and parallel to the axis of the solenoid.
- This field can be calculated using the formula \( B = \mu_0 n I \), where \( \mu_0 \) is the permeability of free space, \( n \) is the number of turns per unit length, and \( I \) is the current passing through the solenoid.
- Outside the solenoid, the magnetic field is weak and considered negligible for ideal long solenoids.
Electric Field
An electric field is a region around a charged particle or changing magnetic field where another charged object experiences a force. Electric fields are vector fields, meaning they have both magnitude and direction, which affects the trajectory of charges within them. Here's more:When induced by a changing magnetic field, as described by Faraday's Law, the electric field has specific characteristics:
- Inside the solenoid, the electric field magnitude is determined by the equation \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n s}{2} \frac{dI}{dt} \). The negative sign indicates the direction is such that it opposes the change in current, consistent with Lenz's law.
- Outside the solenoid, the field is proportional to \( \frac{1}{s} \) and given by \( E = -\frac{\mu_0 n a^2}{2s} \frac{dI}{dt} \), again opposing the current's change.
- The direction of the induced electric fields, both inside and outside, is in the azimuthal direction (around the solenoid), following the right-hand rule relative to the solenoid’s magnetic field.