Finding Distance Using a Fuse, Current & Magnetic Field

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the distance a particle travels in a rail gun scenario, where two parallel wires are connected by a fuse and a magnetic field of 4.7 T is present. The current is 7.2 A and the distance between the wires is 0.48 meters. The questioner is confused about how to calculate the distance the particle travels when initially at rest and under uniform acceleration. The expert points out that rail guns shoot out objects using electromagnetic forces, not electrons, and that the particle will travel an infinite distance due to inertia unless acted upon by a force. The expert also suggests that the questioner may be trying to ask something else but is unsure of the terminology.
  • #1
bubbaburp
6
0
Hello. I want to help a friend solve a problem. I'm having trouble finding the right way to solve for distance for this problem. I am given 2 parallel wires connected by another wire or perhaps a conducting fuse. His information is kind of vague, sorry. The current goes up one of the wires through the fuse and down the other wire. The magnetic field B is in the k (z)-direction and has a value of 4.7 T. The current is 7.2 A. The distance between the two wires is 0.48 meters. The distance from the fuse up to where the particle is shot out is 0.7 meters. How the heck do you find the distance the particle travels out if it starts out initially at rest, and the acceleration is uniform?
 
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  • #2


This question makes no sense to me. Rail guns don't shoot out electrons. They use electromagnetic forces to shoot out objects. And you ask how far does a particle travel that is accelerated and shot out; the answer is that is travels an infinite distance due to inertia unless acted upon by some force. But I have a feeling that you are trying to ask something else and don't know what words to use.
 

Related to Finding Distance Using a Fuse, Current & Magnetic Field

1. How does a fuse, current, and magnetic field help in finding distance?

The interaction between a current-carrying wire and a magnetic field creates a force that can be used to measure distance. By varying the strength of the current and magnetic field, the resulting force can be used to determine the distance between two points.

2. What is the basic principle behind using a fuse, current, and magnetic field to find distance?

The principle is based on the Lorentz force, which states that a charged particle moving in a magnetic field will experience a force perpendicular to both the direction of motion and the direction of the magnetic field. By applying this principle to a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field, the resulting force can be used to determine the distance between the wire and the magnet.

3. What are the factors that can affect the accuracy of distance measurement using a fuse, current, and magnetic field?

The accuracy of distance measurement using this method can be affected by the strength of the magnetic field, the amount of current flowing through the wire, and the distance between the wire and the magnet. Other external factors, such as electromagnetic interference, can also affect the accuracy.

4. Are there any limitations to using a fuse, current, and magnetic field to find distance?

Yes, there are limitations to this method. It is most effective for short distances and may not be accurate for longer distances. Additionally, the wire and magnet must be aligned properly and there must be no other magnetic fields or currents present that could interfere with the measurement.

5. How can the accuracy of distance measurement using a fuse, current, and magnetic field be improved?

The accuracy can be improved by using stronger magnets, increasing the current flowing through the wire, and minimizing external interference. Additionally, using more advanced equipment and techniques, such as Hall effect sensors, can also improve the accuracy of the measurement.

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