The Law of Biot and Savart again

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Biot-Savart law and its implications for calculating the magnetic field and vector potential associated with steady currents in loops. Participants explore the mathematical formulations and conditions required for these integrals, as well as considerations for more complex scenarios involving multiple current loops.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the Biot-Savart integral for the magnetic field and inquires about the corresponding formula for the vector potential.
  • Another participant attempts to provide the formula for the vector potential, noting that the curve must be closed to avoid divergence in the integral.
  • A later reply reiterates the vector potential formula and emphasizes the necessity of a closed curve, while also expressing a desire to prove its validity.
  • Further, a participant raises a question about the vector potential for the cross product of magnetic fields generated by two non-linking current loops, suggesting a need for an integral formula in this context.
  • Another participant introduces a scenario involving a magnetic field confined to the interior of a closed tube, prompting further exploration of the implications for vector potential.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the vector potential for more complex configurations, and multiple viewpoints regarding the conditions for the integrals remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the mathematical notation and the implications of the conditions under which the integrals are defined, particularly regarding the necessity of closed curves and the behavior of the vector potential in more complex scenarios.

wofsy
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The magnetic field of a steady current in a loop is given by the Biot and savart integral which is

1/4pi Integral[((x-y)/|x-y|^3) x dy] = B(x)

What is the corresponding formula for the vector potential?
 
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Although i can't decrypt the formula you have stated, i give it a try


[tex] \vec A(\vec r) = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi} \oint \limits_{\mathcal{C}} \mathrm d\vec r^{\, \prime} \, \frac{1}{|\vec r - \vec r^{\, \prime}|}[/tex]

The curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] is parameterized through [tex]\vec r^{ \, \, \prime}(t)[/tex] !

It is necessary to mention, that the curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] must be closed, otherwise the integral diverges!


Best regards...
 
saunderson said:
Although i can't decrypt the formula you have stated, i give it a try


[tex] \vec A(\vec r) = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi} \oint \limits_{\mathcal{C}} \mathrm d\vec r^{\, \prime} \, \frac{1}{|\vec r - \vec r^{\, \prime}|}[/tex]

The curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] is parameterized through [tex]\vec r^{ \, \, \prime}(t)[/tex] !

It is necessary to mention, that the curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] must be closed, otherwise the integral diverges!


Best regards...

thanks I will try to prove it works.

BTW: how do you do the math notation?
 
saunderson said:
Although i can't decrypt the formula you have stated, i give it a try


[tex] \vec A(\vec r) = \frac{\mu_0 I}{4\pi} \oint \limits_{\mathcal{C}} \mathrm d\vec r^{\, \prime} \, \frac{1}{|\vec r - \vec r^{\, \prime}|}[/tex]

The curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] is parameterized through [tex]\vec r^{ \, \, \prime}(t)[/tex] !

It is necessary to mention, that the curve [tex]\mathcal{C}[/tex] must be closed, otherwise the integral diverges!Best regards...

Thanks that works.
What about if you have an arbitrary divergence free field defined in space minus possibly a finite number of loops?

For instance if I have two magnetic fields generated by two non-linking current loops their cross product is divergence free. If there an integral formula for the vector potential of the cross product?

Or - suppose the magnetic field is confined to the interior of a closed tube as in a magnetic filament.
 
Last edited:

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