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What is the ratio of their inductive time constants?

To determine the ratio of the inductive time constants for these two solenoids, we need to analyze how the difference in wire thickness affects their resistance and inductance.

### Key Steps:

1. **Inductive Time Constant Formula**:
   The inductive time constant \(\tau\) for a solenoid is given by:
   \[
   \tau = \frac{L}{R}
   \]
   where \(L\) is the inductance and \(R\) is the resistance of the wire.

2. **Inductance (L)**:
   For a solenoid, inductance \(L\) depends on physical properties like length, number of turns, and core material but not on the thickness of the wire directly. Given that both solenoids have the same length and cross-sectional area, we can assume they have similar inductance values:
   \[
   L_1 = L_2
   \]

3. **Resistance (R)**:
   The resistance of a wire is inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area. If solenoid 1 uses wire that is \(1.2\) times thicker than solenoid 2, the cross-sectional area of wire in solenoid 1 is \((1.2)^2 = 1.44\) times larger than that of solenoid 2. Since resistance \(R\) is inversely proportional to cross-sectional area:
   \[
   R_1 = \frac{R_2}{1.44}
   \]

4. **Time Constant Ratio**:
   Since \(\tau = \frac{L}{R}\), the time constants for the two solenoids are:
   \[
   \tau_1 = \frac{L_1}{R_1} \quad \text{and} \quad \tau_2 = \frac{L_2}{R_2}
   \]
   Given \(L_1 = L_2\), we find:
   \[
   \frac{\tau_1}{\tau_2} = \frac{R_2}{R_1} = 1.44
   \]

### Answer:
The ratio of the inductive time constants \(\frac{\tau_1}{\tau_2}\) is \(1.44\).

Would you like further details or have any other questions?

---

1. How does the inductance of a solenoid depend on its geometry?
2. What role does the wire's resistivity play in the time constant?
3. How would changing the solenoid’s length affect its inductance?
4. What is the physical meaning of an inductive time constant?
5. How does increasing the number of turns affect the solenoid's resistance?

**Tip:** In electromagnetism, the inductance \(L\) of a solenoid is typically proportional to the square of the number of turns.

Understand how to find the ratio of inductive time constants for two solenoids with the same length and cross-sectional area but different wire thicknesses. Learn the impact of wire thickness on resistance and how it affects the time constant. Suitable for Grades 11-12 physics students.

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