Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 26: Problem 10

If a current is passed through an unstretched spring, will the spring contract or expand? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
When a current is passed through an unstretched spring, the spring will contract. This happens due to the magnetic field interaction when current flows through the spring, causing neighboring loops to attract each other.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Influence of Current

When a current passes through a conductor like a spring, a magnetic field is produced around it. This is according to the right-hand thumb rule which states that if the thumb of the right hand points in the direction of the current, the curled fingers will align in the direction of the magnetic field.
02

Compliance with Lorentz's Law

The Lorentz force refers to the electromagnetic force experienced by a point charge due to electric and magnetic fields. It takes into account both the electric charge and the movement (velocity) of the charge through the magnetic fields. According to Lorentz's law, the net force on an element of wire is zero if there is no magnetic field.
03

Prediction based on Magnetic Field Interaction

However, when current is run through the spring, it behaves like a solenoid and generates its magnetic field. Neighboring current loops attract each other as a result of the interaction of their magnetic fields. Because all components of the loop are in the same direction of current flow, each section of the wire feels a magnetic force directing towards the center of the loop.
04

Conclusion on Spring Movement

Therefore, when a current is passed through an unstretched spring, the spring contracts due to the magnetic field generated by the current. The force that each loop exerts on the next causes this contraction.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

A single-turn square wire loop \(5.0 \mathrm{cm}\) on a side carries a \(450-\mathrm{mA}\) current. (a) What's the loop's magnetic dipole moment? (b) If the loop is in a uniform 1.4 -T magnetic field with its dipole moment vector at \(40^{\circ}\) to the field, what's the magnitude of the torque it experiences?

Do particles in a cyclotron gain energy from the electric field, the magnetic field, or both? Explain.

An electron is moving in a uniform \(0.25-\) T magnetic field; its veIocity components parallel and perpendicular to the field are both 3.1 Mm/s. (a) What's the radius of the electron's spiral path? (b) How far does it move along the field direction in the time it takes to complete a full orbit about the field?

Would there be a magnetic force on a piece of iron deep inside a long solenoid? Explain.

A 2.2 -m-long wire carrying 3.5 A is wound into a tight coil \(5.0 \mathrm{cm}\) in diameter. Find the magnetic field at its center.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Astrophysics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Physics

Read Explanation

Engineering Physics

Read Explanation

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Fluids

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free