Understanding the math of definition of electromotive force

In summary, the concept of electromotive force (EMF) is a critical principle in electromagnetism, representing the energy provided by a source per unit charge to drive electric current in a circuit. It is defined mathematically as the work done on a charge by an electric field when moving it from one point to another, typically expressed in volts. The understanding of EMF involves key relationships with voltage, current, and resistance, as well as its role in various electrical components like batteries and generators. Additionally, the distinction between EMF and potential difference is clarified, emphasizing that EMF refers to the source's capability to produce energy, while potential difference pertains to energy differences across circuit elements.
  • #1
zenterix
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Homework Statement
Force on an electric charge is given by

$$\vec{F}=q(\vec{E}+\vec{v}\times\vec{B})\tag{1}$$
Relevant Equations
Emf is defined as the integral of the force per unit charge around a current loop.

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C\frac{d\vec{F}}{dq}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{2}$$
Does this mean we can write the following?

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{r}+\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{3}$$

I haven't seen an equation like the above in my books and notes yet.

What I have seen are two cases.

In one case, we have a uniform magnetic field and we move the current loop in the field in such a way that we have changing magnetic flux.

A simple example of this is a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable. This side has velocity ##\vec{v}## and so experiences the effect of a magnetic force ##\vec{v}\times\vec{B}##.

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}\tag{4}$$

Is the ##\vec{E}## term zero in (1) for this case?

In a second case, the conducting loop does not move but the magnetic field is allowed to change in time.

We get an induced emf in the loop but we can't explain it with the Lorentz force.

We explain it with a new law of nature, Faraday's law, which says that

$$\nabla\times \vec{E}=-\frac{\partial\vec{B}}{\partial t}\tag{5}$$

If we integrate both sides along a surface ##S##, then by Stokes' theorem the lhs side is

$$\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=\iint_S(\nabla\times \vec{E})\cdot d\vec{a}\tag{6}$$

and so

$$\oint_{C} \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=\iint_S (\nabla\times\vec{E})\cdot\hat{n}da=-\iint_S\frac{\partial \vec{B}}{\partial t}\cdot \hat{n}da\tag{7}$$

Note that the first equality is from Stokes' theorem and the second is from Faraday's law.

We can rewrite as

$$\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{s}=-\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\iint_S \vec{B}\cdot \hat{n}da=-\frac{d\Phi_B}{dt}\tag{8}$$

and so

$$\mathcal{E}=-\frac{\partial\Phi_B}{dt}\tag{9}$$

So my question is about comparing the equations

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{v}\times\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{r}$$

$$\mathcal{E}=\oint_C \vec{E}\cdot d\vec{r}$$

Are these just special cases of (3)?
 
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  • #2
zenterix said:
In one case, we have a uniform magnetic field and we move the current loop in the field in such a way that we have changing magnetic flux.A simple example of this is a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable.

zenterix said:
In a second case, the conducting loop does not move but the magnetic field is allowed to change in time.

Combination of these,i.e. we have time changing magnetic field and we have a rectangular current loop where one of the sides is movable, would requires the formula (3) to explain its emf.
 
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FAQ: Understanding the math of definition of electromotive force

What is electromotive force (EMF)?

Electromotive force (EMF) is the energy provided per unit charge by a source such as a battery or generator when it converts other forms of energy into electrical energy. It is measured in volts and represents the potential difference that drives current through a circuit.

How is EMF mathematically defined?

Mathematically, EMF (ε) can be defined as the work done (W) per unit charge (Q) to move a charge through an electric circuit. The formula is expressed as ε = W/Q, where W is in joules and Q is in coulombs, resulting in units of volts (V).

What factors affect the value of EMF in a circuit?

The value of EMF in a circuit can be affected by several factors, including the type of energy source (e.g., chemical, mechanical), the internal resistance of the source, temperature, and the load connected to the circuit. Changes in these factors can alter the amount of work done per unit charge.

How does internal resistance influence EMF?

Internal resistance is the resistance within the source of EMF itself. It reduces the effective voltage available to the external circuit when current flows. The actual voltage across the terminals of a source is given by V = ε - I*r, where I is the current and r is the internal resistance. This means that as the current increases, the terminal voltage decreases due to internal resistance.

Can EMF exist in an open circuit?

Yes, EMF can exist in an open circuit. In this case, the potential difference across the terminals of the source is equal to the EMF, as no current flows and thus there is no voltage drop due to internal resistance. However, once a load is connected and current begins to flow, the terminal voltage will be less than the EMF due to the internal resistance of the source.

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