Grappling with a Magnetism question

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    Magnetism
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the magnetic field (B field) in a coaxial cable configuration, specifically analyzing the influence of current in the inner wire versus the outer wire. It is established that, according to Ampere's Law, the B field in the space between the inner and outer cables is solely dependent on the current flowing through the inner wire. The presence of the outer wire does not contribute to the B field within the hollow region, as contributions from different sections of the conductor cancel each other out. The Biot-Savart Law provides a mathematical framework for understanding this phenomenon, reinforcing that no magnetic field exists inside a hollow cylindrical conductor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law
  • Familiarity with Biot-Savart Law
  • Basic knowledge of magnetic fields and current flow
  • Concept of coaxial cables in electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in various geometries
  • Explore the derivation and applications of Biot-Savart Law
  • Investigate the behavior of magnetic fields in different conductor configurations
  • Learn about the implications of magnetic field cancellation in hollow conductors
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electromagnetism, particularly in relation to coaxial cables and magnetic field behavior.

sharpstones
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When analyzing a coaxial cable and trying to find the B field in the space between the outer and inner cables, using ampere's law the B field will be depedent only upon the current running through the inner wire.

Why is this? I know that yes Ampere's law says that only the current contained within the amperean loop can cause a B field, but i want a better explanation then that. Let's suppose there was just a plain hollow cylindrical conductor with current running through it. Would there be a B field running through it?
 
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The better explanation is in writing the field due to several elemental sections of the conductor, using Biot-Savart's Law and integrating over the entire conductor. Unfortunately, it's a mathematical explanation, not a physical demonstration.

The only physical thing that can be said (this amy seem obvious) is that the contributions from different parts of the conductor cancel each other out in the case of say, the hollow conductor. So, the answer to that part is "No, there will be no field inside a hollow cylindrical conductor".

To answer the first part, the B-field is not dependent on only the current. It is also dependent, in this case, on the radial distance of the particular point.
 
regarding the first part. I wasn't very specific... what I ment was that i was suprised to find that it was dependent upon the curreny on the inner wire, but non dependent at all on the outer concentric wire.
 

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