Question

In 1996, NASA performed an experiment called the Tethered Satellite experiment. In this experiment a 2.30 104-m length of wire was let out by the space shuttle Atlantis to generate a motional emf. The shuttle had an orbital speed of 7.50 103 m/s, and the magnitude of the earth's magnetic field at the location of the wire was 5.40 10-5 T. If the wire had moved perpendicular to the earth's magnetic field, what would have been the motional emf generated between the ends of the wire?

Answer 1

emf = 9.3 x 10³

Explanation:

When a conductor moves in the magnetic field , the emf is generated across its ends . Which can be calculated by the relation

emf  ξ = B x l x v

here B is the magnetic field strength , l is the length of conductor and v is its velocity .

In our question B = 5.4 x 10⁻⁵ T

l = 2.30 x 10⁴ m  and v = 7.5 x 10³

Thus  ξ = 5.4 x 10⁻⁵ x 2.30 x 10⁴ x 7.5 x 10³ = 9.3 x 10³ Volt