Electric field induced by the changing magnetic field of a solenoid
Part (a) of
[link] shows a long solenoid with radius
R and
n turns per unit length; its current decreases with time according to
What is the magnitude of the induced electric field at a point a distance
r from the central axis of the solenoid (a) when
and (b) when
[see part (b) of
[link] ]. (c) What is the direction of the induced field at both locations? Assume that the infinite-solenoid approximation is valid throughout the regions of interest.
(a) The current in a long solenoid is decreasing exponentially. (b) A cross-sectional view of the solenoid from its left end. The cross-section shown is near the middle of the solenoid. An electric field is induced both inside and outside the solenoid.
Strategy
Using the formula for the magnetic field inside an infinite solenoid and Faraday’s law, we calculate the induced emf. Since we have cylindrical symmetry, the electric field integral reduces to the electric field times the circumference of the integration path. Then we solve for the electric field.
Solution
The magnetic field is confined to the interior of the solenoid where
Thus, the magnetic flux through a circular path whose radius
r is greater than
R , the solenoid radius, is
The induced field
is tangent to this path, and because of the cylindrical symmetry of the system, its magnitude is constant on the path. Hence, we have
For a path of radius
r inside the solenoid,
so
and the induced field is
The magnetic field points into the page as shown in part (b) and is decreasing. If either of the circular paths were occupied by conducting rings, the currents induced in them would circulate as shown, in conformity with Lenz’s law. The induced electric field must be so directed as well.
Significance
In part (b), note that
increases with
r inside and decreases as 1/
r outside the solenoid, as shown in
[link] .
The electric field vs. distance
r . When
the electric field rises linearly, whereas when
the electric field falls of proportional to 1/
r .
Check Your Understanding Suppose that the coil of
[link] is a square rather than circular. Can
[link] be used to calculate (a) the induced emf and (b) the induced electric field?
a. yes; b. Yes; however there is a lack of symmetry between the electric field and coil, making
a more complicated relationship that can’t be simplified as shown in the example.
Check Your Understanding The magnetic field shown below is confined to the cylindrical region shown and is changing with time. Identify those paths for which
Check Your Understanding A long solenoid of cross-sectional area
is wound with 25 turns of wire per centimeter. It is placed in the middle of a closely wrapped coil of 10 turns and radius 25 cm, as shown below. (a) What is the emf induced in the coil when the current through the solenoid is decreasing at a rate
(b) What is the electric field induced in the coil?