Consider the possibility of a new design for an electric train. The engine is dr

Question

Consider the possibility of a new design for an electric train. The engine is driven by the force on a conducting axle due to the vertical component of Earth's magnetic field. Current is down one rail, through a conducting wheel, through the axle, through another conducting wheel, and then back to the source via the other rail.

(a) What current is needed to provide a modest 95 kN force? Take the vertical component of Earth's field to be 10 µT and the length of the axle to be 3.0 m.
A
(b) How much power would be lost for each ohm of resistance in the rails?
W

Explanation / Answer

A. Force = current*length*magnetic field

F = i*L*B

i = F/LB

i = 95000/3*10*10^-6 = 3.167*10^9 Amp.

B.

Power = i^2*R

R = 1 ohm

Power = (3.167*10^9)^2*1 = 1.0029*10^19 W

power = 1*10^19 W

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