Question 13 Marks
i. Will the earth's magnetic field induce current in an artificial satellite with a metal surface that is in orbit around the equator? Around the poles?
ii. If so how would these currents affect the motion of the satellite?
ii. If so how would these currents affect the motion of the satellite?
Answer
View full question & answer→i. There will be no induced currents in the metal of the satellite, which is orbiting in the equatorial plane. It is because the magnetic flux does not change through the metal of the satellite in such an orbit. In other orbits (including orbit around the poles), the value of the magnetic field will change both in magnitude and direction. Due to this, the magnetic flux through the satellite will change and hence induced currents will be produced in the metal of the satellite.
ii. The induced currents in the metal of the satellite will produce magnet. It will experience a small magnetic interaction with earth so that the force on the satellite will not be purely gravitational. Therefore, there will be a deflection from the gravitational field alone. Part of the effect of interaction would cause the satellite to lose energy, dissipated in the form of heat. Paradoxically, if it loses energy, it will speed up. S
ii. The induced currents in the metal of the satellite will produce magnet. It will experience a small magnetic interaction with earth so that the force on the satellite will not be purely gravitational. Therefore, there will be a deflection from the gravitational field alone. Part of the effect of interaction would cause the satellite to lose energy, dissipated in the form of heat. Paradoxically, if it loses energy, it will speed up. S









