Calculating the magnitude of the electric field

In summary, the problem involves a uniform magnetic field in a cylindrical volume with a changing magnitude described by B = Bmax sin(ωt). The goal is to calculate the electric field accompanying this changing magnetic field for both inside and outside the region. The correct equations to use are the Maxwell-Faraday equation and Lenz's law, which give the curl of E and the EMF around a loop at a given radius. For inside the region (r < R), the correct equation is E = [ωrBmax cos(ωt)]/2 with a negative sign to account for Lenz's law. For outside the region (r > R), the correct equation is E = [ωR^2Bmax cos(
  • #1
Barry Melby
31
0

Homework Statement


A uniform magnetic field pointing in the positive z-direction fills a cylindrical volume of space of radius R whose central axis is the z axis. Outside this region, there is no magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field in changes with time as B = Bmax sin(ωt).

a. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r < R.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r>R.

Homework Equations


I'm not exactly sure which equations to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



a)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*r^2 (dB/dt)
E = r/2 (dB/dt)
E = [omega*r*Bmax(sin(omega*t))]/2

This however is incorrect. b)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*R^2 (dB/dt)
E = R^2/2r (dB/dt)
E = [omega*R^2*Bmax (cos(omega*t))]/2r

Which also appears to be incorrect. Where did I go wrong?
 
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  • #2
The Maxwell-Faraday equation describes the electric fields arising from time-varying magnetic fields. It easily gives you the curl of E and the EMF around a loop at the given radius. I forget how one extracts the E vector from that but no doubt it is straightforward.
 
  • #3
Barry Melby said:

Homework Statement


A uniform magnetic field pointing in the positive z-direction fills a cylindrical volume of space of radius R whose central axis is the z axis. Outside this region, there is no magnetic field. The magnitude of the magnetic field in changes with time as B = Bmax sin(ωt).

a. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r < R.

b. Calculate the magnitude of the electric field that accompanies this changing magnetic field as a function of time t and radial distance rfrom the center of the magnetic field for r>R.

Homework Equations


I'm not exactly sure which equations to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



a)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*r^2 (dB/dt)
E = r/2 (dB/dt)
E = [omega*r*Bmax(sin(omega*t))]/2
Probably just a typo, but the sine should be a cosine. You're also missing a negative sign (Lenz's law).

This however is incorrect. b)

E(2*pi*r) = pi*R^2 (dB/dt)
E = R^2/2r (dB/dt)
E = [omega*R^2*Bmax (cos(omega*t))]/2r

Which also appears to be incorrect. Where did I go wrong?
 

Related to Calculating the magnitude of the electric field

What is the equation for calculating the magnitude of the electric field?

The equation for calculating the magnitude of the electric field is E = F/q, where E is the electric field, F is the force exerted on the charged particle, and q is the magnitude of the charge of the particle.

What is the unit for measuring the electric field?

The unit for measuring the electric field is Newtons per Coulomb (N/C) in the SI system. This represents the force per unit charge at a given point in space.

How is the direction of the electric field determined?

The direction of the electric field is determined by the direction of the force that would be exerted on a positive test charge placed at that point in space. The electric field lines always point away from positive charges and towards negative charges.

What factors affect the magnitude of the electric field?

The magnitude of the electric field is affected by the magnitude and location of the source charge, as well as the distance from the source charge. It is also affected by the presence of other charges in the surrounding space.

Can the magnitude of the electric field be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of the electric field can be negative. This occurs when the direction of the electric field is opposite to the direction of the force on a positive test charge. This often happens near negatively charged particles or surfaces.

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