Ampere's Law: Cylindrical conducter with varying current

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the magnetic field around a cylindrical conductor with a current density that varies radially. The current density is defined as J(r) = J0e−r/R, and the task is to express the magnetic field in regions both inside and outside the conductor, using Ampere's Law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between current and current density, with some attempting to derive the total current from the current density using integration. Questions arise about the definition of current density and the appropriate differential area for integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing different approaches to integrating the current density. Some have pointed out potential errors in calculations and the need to clarify the limits of integration. There is no explicit consensus on the correct approach or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. The varying nature of the current density is a key point of discussion, affecting how participants approach the integration.

Renaldo
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Homework Statement



The current density of a cylindrical conductor of radius R varies as J(r) = J0e−r/R (in the region from zero to R). Express the magnitude of the magnetic field in the regions r < R and r > R. (Use any variable or symbol stated above along with the following as necessary: μ0.)

Produce a sketch of the radial dependence, B(r).

Homework Equations



Ampere's Law

\oint B \bullet ds = μ0ienc

The Attempt at a Solution



At r < R:

B = μ0J(r)A/2∏r

J(r) = J0e−r/R
J(r)A = J0e−r/R(∏r2)

B = (μ0J0e−r/Rr)/2

This is not correct.
 
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How current is defined in terms of current density?

(Hint: The relation between current and current density involves a integral.)
 
I = J(r)A
dI = J(r)Adr
dI = J0∏r2e-r/Rdr

I = J0∏∫r2e-r/Rdr

I used a computer to solve the integral, which is an integration by parts.

I = -J0∏R(r2+2rR+2R2)/er/R

B = μ0I/2∏r

B = -μ0J0R(r2+2rR+2R2)/2rer/R
 
Renaldo said:
I = J(r)A
dI = J(r)Adr

You can't write that. According to the definition,
I=\int \vec{j}\cdot\vec{dA}

What is dA?
 
In that definition, is J constant? It seems to me that it would not be, but I don't know how to integrate

∫J0e-r/Rda
 
Renaldo said:
In that definition, is J constant? It seems to me that it would not be, but I don't know how to integrate

∫J0e-r/Rda

No, J is not constant. You have the expression for J and it varies with r. About the differential area dA, see the attachment. We have to find the total current enclosed within the Amperian loop. As we move out away from the axis of cylinder, the current density varies so we select a very small area (differential area, dA) where we can assume that current density is effectively constant. Then we sum up (or integrate) the expression we get for the current passing through that small region. See the attachment. Can you calculate dA now? I have drawn two circles of radius r and the other with r+dr. The shaded region is dA.
 

Attachments

  • cylinder.png
    cylinder.png
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da = 2∏rdr

2∏J0∫e(-r/R)rdr = -2J0∏R(r+R)/er/R

B = -μ0J0R(r+R)/rer/R

That's what I get and it isn't correct.
 
Last edited:
What were your limits? Do you know how to evaluate a definite integral?
 
limits of integration were from 0 to r, r < R.
 
  • #10
Renaldo said:
limits of integration were from 0 to r, r < R.

Right but check your work again. I get a different answer. (##e^0=1##)
 

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