A rail gun uses electromagnetic forces to accelerate a projectile to very high v

Question

A rail gun uses electromagnetic forces to accelerate a projectile to very high velocities. The basic mechanism of acceleration is relatively simple and can be illustrated in the following example. A metal rod of mass 40.0 g and electrical resistance 0.300 2 rests on parallel horizontal rails that have negligible electric resistance. The rails are a distance L 6.00 cm apart. (Figure 1) The rails are also connected to a voltage source providing a voltage of V 5.00 V The rod is placed in a vertical magnetic field. The rod begins to slide when the field reaches the value B 0.196 T. Assume that the rod has a slightly flattened bottom so that it slides instead of rolling. Use 9.80 m/s2 for the magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity. Figure 1 of 1 Part

Explanation / Answer

Current I in the rod = V/R = 5/0.3 = 16.67 A

Length through which B crosses = 0.06 m

Magnetic field B = 0.196 T

Force acting on the rod = ILB = 16.67 x 0.06 x 0.196 = 0.196 N

Frictional force = mg

Net force = 0.196 - mg = 0

= 0.196 / (0.04 x 9.81) = 0.5

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