Rod Moving on Parallel-Conducting Rails

  • Thread starter fisixC
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Rod
In summary, the conversation discusses a straight rod moving along parallel conducting rails, forming a closed rectangular loop with a resistor connected at the left side. A uniform magnetic field exists throughout the region and the rod experiences no friction or air drag. The goal is to determine the speed at which the rod should be moving to produce a downward current in the resistor. The equations used in the attempt at a solution are emf = vlB and v = IR, but the resulting velocity did not yield a correct answer. There may be additional information needed, such as the mass of the rod, the required current in the resistor, the resistance of the resistor, the separation of the rails, and the direction and strength of the magnetic field.
  • #1
fisixC
54
0

Homework Statement


A straight rod moves along parallel conducting rails, as shown below. The rails are connected at the left side through a resistor so
that the rod and rails form a closed rectangular loop. A uniform field perpendicular to the
movement of the rod exists throughout the
region.
Assume the rod remains in contact with
the rails as it moves. The rod experiences no
friction or air drag. The rails and rod have
negligible resistance.

At what speed should the rod be moving to
produce the downward current in the resistor?
Answer in units of m/s.


Homework Equations



emf = vlB
v = IR


The Attempt at a Solution



I attempted to solve the two equations for velocity resulting in:

v = (IR)/(lB) which didn't yield a correct answer

Is there something I have to do special because there is a mass of the rod?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
where is the figure? what is the required current in the resistor (the value of I)?
 
  • #3
I that the exact wording of the question? Does the missing figure contain additional information?

How much current must be produced? What is the resistance of the resistor. What is the separation of the rails? What is the direction & strength of the magnetic field?
 

FAQ: Rod Moving on Parallel-Conducting Rails

What is the purpose of using parallel-conducting rails in a rod moving experiment?

The parallel-conducting rails provide a path for the electric current to flow through the rod, allowing for the measurement of the rod's movement in response to the current.

How does the length of the rod affect its movement on the parallel-conducting rails?

The length of the rod can affect its movement on the rails as a longer rod will experience more resistance from the rails, resulting in slower movement compared to a shorter rod.

What is the significance of the speed of the rod's movement on the parallel-conducting rails?

The speed of the rod's movement can indicate the strength of the electric current passing through it, providing valuable information for further analysis and experimentation.

How does the material of the rod impact its movement on the parallel-conducting rails?

The material of the rod can affect its conductivity and resistance, which in turn affects its movement on the parallel-conducting rails. Different materials may also have varying levels of sensitivity to electric currents.

What other factors should be considered when conducting an experiment with a rod moving on parallel-conducting rails?

Other factors that should be taken into consideration include the voltage of the electric current, the angle at which the rod is placed on the rails, and any external forces that may affect the movement of the rod.

Similar threads

Back
Top