Induced EMF in Rectangular Loop in B-Field

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of induced EMF in a rectangular loop moving in a uniform magnetic field. While there is a force acting on the loop due to the Lorentz force, the EMF induced on one side of the loop is canceled out by the EMF induced on the opposite side. This cancellation is due to the magnetic field being uniform and results in a net EMF of zero. In the case of a non-uniform magnetic field, there can be a net EMF. The conversation also touches on the technicalities of considering the Coulombic force and Faraday's Law in understanding this concept.
  • #1
quietrain
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ok, if i have a rectangular loop parallel to the screen and in a uniform constant magnetic field pointing perpendicularly outwards of the screen, if i move the loop to the right of the screen, will there be an induced emf in the loop?

my understanding is that there will be? because we have a force to the right , b-field outwards of the screen, and by fleming's left hand rule we get a current heading upwards of the screen?

but why is the answer no emf? is it because of mutual cancellations within the loop or something? or is my concept totally wrong?

thanks
 
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  • #2
Was the answer referring to the emf or to the current?
 
  • #3
the answer was referring to the induced emf.

also i realize, the current would be heading upwards on the left side of the loop, and also heading upwards on the right side of the loop. so wouldn't the current be warring each other?
also, the top and bottom sides are parallel to the motion so i assume no induced current in them?
 
  • #4
By pulling the loop, you are giving the charges in the loop a velocity. By the Lorentz law then, there is a force acting on the conduction electrons in the wire. So the top and bottom parts of the loop will also experience a force and hence an EMF.

However, because the magnetic field through the loop is uniform, the net EMF is zero. This is due to the phenomenon that you already surmised. That is, the EMF induced on the right hand wire is canceled out by the EMF induced on the left hand wire. Like wise for the top and bottom. So while a straight section of wire does experience an EMF, it is canceled out by the section's mirror image on the other side of the current loop.

Now if the magnetic field differs on opposite sides, that is the magnetic field is nonuniform, then we can experience a net EMF since the net force on opposite segments is no longer zero.
 
  • #5
so let's say the positive charges get pushed downwards by the induced force, so it would be like attaching 2 batteries in parallel?
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so postiive potential at the bottom, negative on top..

so the emf othe right side is let's say 5V. then the emf of the left side is also 5 votes.

so by kirchhoffs loop rule, it will be 5+-5 = 0? so net emf = 0?

btw, if we assume the top and bottom to be thin rods, then the charges would not be moved by the lorentz force right? so no induced emf in those portions?
 
  • #6
quietrain said:
so let's say the positive charges get pushed downwards by the induced force, so it would be like attaching 2 batteries in parallel?
- _-
| |
| |
| |
+_+

so postiive potential at the bottom, negative on top..

so the emf othe right side is let's say 5V. then the emf of the left side is also 5 votes.

so by kirchhoffs loop rule, it will be 5+-5 = 0? so net emf = 0?

btw, if we assume the top and bottom to be thin rods, then the charges would not be moved by the lorentz force right? so no induced emf in those portions?

As to your Kirchoff loop simplification, that is correct. There still exists an EMF, but the EMF from opposite sections of wire oppose each other when we sum it all up. This would be true for a closed loop of arbitrary shape but it is easier to show it with a rectangular loop.

Yes, if we assume a rod of zero radius then the electrons would not move, but there would still be a force acting on the charges. What technically happens here is that the Lorentz force induces the negative electrons to try and separate from the positive ionic lattice of the wire. As they separate spatially, there arises a restorative Coulombic force between the electrons and the ions. So with a one-dimensional wire, the EMF is countered by the Coulombic attraction that keeps the charges from moving in a direction other than along the wire. So it exists for a fleeting moment as it does a momentary amount of work but gets canceled out in steady-state. Whether or not you consider it to be an EMF is probably just a technical point, probably not considering that EMF usually refers to the net effect.
 
  • #7
The explanations in terms of the Lorentz force are correct, of course. It is also possible to think in terms of Faraday's Law to help understand this one.

Consider the most general form of Faraday's Law in integral form as follows.

[tex]
EMF=\ointop_{\partial S} E \cdot dl=-{{d}\over{dt}}\Biggl(\int_S B \cdot ds\Biggr)

[/tex]

Here it is clear that if the magnetic field is constant, and if the loop is constant, there is no net flux change as the loop is moved. Hence, the EMF must be zero.
 
  • #8
ah i see. thanks!
 

FAQ: Induced EMF in Rectangular Loop in B-Field

What is induced EMF in a rectangular loop?

Induced EMF (electromotive force) in a rectangular loop refers to the voltage that is generated in the loop when it is placed in a changing magnetic field. This voltage is caused by the movement of electrons within the loop, which produces an electric current.

How is induced EMF in a rectangular loop calculated?

The induced EMF in a rectangular loop can be calculated using Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, which states that the induced EMF is equal to the negative of the rate of change of magnetic flux through the loop. This can be expressed as E = -dΦ/dt, where E is the induced EMF, Φ is the magnetic flux, and t is time.

What factors affect the induced EMF in a rectangular loop?

The induced EMF in a rectangular loop is affected by several factors, including the strength and direction of the magnetic field, the size and shape of the loop, and the speed at which the loop is moving through the magnetic field. It is also affected by the number of turns in the loop and the material of the loop.

How does the induced EMF in a rectangular loop impact the loop itself?

The induced EMF in a rectangular loop can cause an electric current to flow through the loop. This current can create a magnetic field that interacts with the original magnetic field, causing the loop to experience a force. This force can cause the loop to move or change its orientation.

What are some real-world applications of induced EMF in rectangular loops?

Induced EMF in rectangular loops is used in many devices and technologies, including generators, electric motors, transformers, and induction cooktops. It is also used in everyday items such as credit cards with magnetic strips and anti-theft devices in stores.

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