Levels

Lab

The physics

A long solenoid with n turns per metre makes a uniform field inside it. Outside, the field is almost zero.

B = μ0nI    L = μ0N²A / l    u = B² / 2μ0

The coil's energy ½LI² sits in its field. Each cubic metre holds u = B²/2μ0.

A changing B makes an electric field that swirls round the axis. Inside the coil, E grows with r. Outside, it falls as 1/r.

E · 2πr = (rate of change of flux through the circle)

Two coils share flux. M is the flux in one coil for each ampere in the other. The emf in one coil is M times the other current's rate.

M = μ0nNA    L = L₁ + L₂ ± 2M    ε₁ = −(L₁ di₁/dt + M di₂/dt)
μ0 = 4π × 10⁻⁷ T m/A