Introduction to Electrodynamics · Problem 8.8

Electromagnetic Waves — David J. Griffiths

Physics · electromagnetic-angular-momentum

Problem

In Ex. 8.4, suppose that instead of turning off the magnetic field (by reducing II) we turn off the electric field, by connecting a weakly conducting radial spoke between the cylinders. (We'll have to cut a slot in the solenoid, so the cylinders can still rotate freely.) From the magnetic force on the current in the spoke, determine the total angular momentum delivered to the cylinders, as they discharge (they are now rigidly connected, so they rotate together). Compare the initial angular momentum stored in the fields (Eq. 8.34). (Notice that the mechanism by which angular momentum is transferred from the fields to the cylinders is entirely different in the two cases: in Ex. 8.4 it was Faraday's law, but here it is the Lorentz force law.)

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