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gsquare567
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Homework Statement
A rod of mass m and radius R rests on two parallel rails that are a distance d apart and have a length L. The rod carries a current I and rolls along the rails without slipping. A uniform magnetic field B is directed perpendicular to the road and the rails, pointing downwards. If it starts from rest, what is the speed of the rod as it leaves the rails.
Homework Equations
(1) F = I L x B = ma
(2) torque = r x F
The Attempt at a Solution
By subbing in the given constants into (1), I get a = IdB/m. However, I think that I need to use equation 2 instead. I am wondering how to relate the torque on the rod to the velocity of the rod. I don't think the the acceleration I got applies to the rod, because it receives its motion due to torque, rather than just the magnetic force.
Thanks for any help!