Question

We’re going to think about other possible sources for magnetic fields. Recall that the source of magnetic fields in permanent magnets is aligned electron orbits(electrons going in circles all the same direction so the circles are parallel and they are either all traveling clockwise or counter clockwise).

1. Where do electric fields come from? Draw an electric field diagram for each of the two types of source.
2. Pick a spot in one of your field diagrams. How would you determine the electric field there (There’s an equation we used that is closely related to the force on a charge there)? Now, take the same point, but move your source an inch to the right. What is the electric field at that point now?
3. Now, an electron orbit generates a magnetic field. What else does it generate (this is directly related to the answer of question 2)? Is that second thing static (constant) or time-dependent (moving)?
4. Now, why might a circuit generate a magnetic field (Think about questions 2 and 3)? Why?
5. If you wanted to make a wire generate a big magnetic field, how might you design it and why (There are many ways to get to this conclusion)? Congratulations, you have designed an inductor. Place this object in a circuit and it will prevent changes in current.

Answer 1