EMI BYU 22

Physics Solution – Inductance Dynamics

Solution: Current in a Coil upon Core Removal

Initial State (x=0) Iron Core $L_1 = 5.0$ mH $I_1 = 1.0$ A Quick Removal Final State (Air Core) Air $L_2 = 1.0$ mH $I_2 = ?$
Step 1: Analyze the Graph

The graph plots Inductance ($L$) versus Displacement ($x$). We need to read the values for the initial and final states.

  • Initial State ($x=0$): The core is fully inserted. The graph shows a plateau. Looking at the Y-axis, the plateau is exactly halfway between 4.0 and 6.0 mH.
    $$ L_1 = 5.0 \text{ mH} $$
  • Final State (Core removed): When $x$ is large (core is out), the inductance drops to a base level. The graph shows this level is halfway between 0.0 and 2.0 mH.
    $$ L_2 = 1.0 \text{ mH} $$
Step 2: Physics Principle

The problem states the core is taken out “quickly”. This implies the time interval $\Delta t \to 0$. Due to the property of inductance (Faraday’s Law), the magnetic flux through the coil cannot change instantaneously.

Therefore, Magnetic Flux ($\Phi$) is conserved:

$$ \Phi_{\text{initial}} = \Phi_{\text{final}} $$ $$ L_1 I_1 = L_2 I_2 $$
Step 3: Calculation

We substitute the known values:

$$ (5.0 \text{ mH}) \times (1.0 \text{ A}) = (1.0 \text{ mH}) \times I_2 $$

Solving for the final current $I_2$:

$$ I_2 = \frac{5.0 \times 1.0}{1.0} $$ $$ I_2 = 5.0 \text{ A} $$
Final Answer: The current in the coil is 5.0 A.