Magnetic Field Outside Infinite Solenoid

In summary, the conversation discusses the claim that the magnetic field outside an infinitely long solenoid with a current flowing through it is zero. The author does not provide an explanation for this claim and the questioner asks for an intuitive reasoning behind it. The solution suggests that this is a good approximation for a linear solenoid and explains that the infinite length of the solenoid means that there will never be lines emerging from the ends of the solenoid.
  • #1
jegues
1,097
3

Homework Statement



See figure attached.

The author claims the field outside this infinitely long solenoid with N' turns and a current i(t) flowing through it is 0, but he doesn't explain why.

Why is it 0? Is there an intuitive reasoning behind it?

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



N/A
 

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  • #2
It's NOT zero.

[PLAIN]http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3547/solenoidlarge.jpg

Because there is a magnetic field outside of a solenoid, a solenoid made from a solenoid actually has a magnetic field!

For all practical purposes for a linear solenoid, this is a very good approximation:

[PLAIN]http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4861/solenoid.jpg

Infinite solenoids have no ends, so the circular loops you see coming out of the ends of the solenoid aren't there in the simplification.

The intuitive reasoning behind this is that when you deform the pseudo-ellipse shaped loop of the exterior solenoid field, a single loop will approach hemispheres. Not only will the arc of the hemisphere be infinitely far away from any point in along the solenoid, since the solenoid is infinitely long, there will never be lines emerging from the ends of the solenoid.
 
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1. What is a magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid?

A magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid is the region surrounding a solenoid where a magnetic field is present. This field is created by the flow of electrical current through the solenoid's coils.

2. How is the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid calculated?

The magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid can be calculated using the equation B = μ₀nI, where B is the magnetic field strength, μ₀ is the permeability of free space, n is the number of coils per unit length, and I is the current flowing through the solenoid.

3. Is the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid uniform?

No, the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid is not uniform. It is strongest at the center of the solenoid and decreases as you move further away from the center.

4. What factors affect the strength of the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid?

The strength of the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid is affected by the number of coils, the current flowing through the solenoid, and the distance from the center of the solenoid.

5. How does the direction of the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid compare to the direction inside the solenoid?

The direction of the magnetic field outside an infinite solenoid is the same as the direction inside the solenoid. Both fields follow the right-hand rule, with the field lines wrapping around the solenoid in a helical pattern.

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