Ampere's Law: Cylindrical conducter with varying current

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on applying Ampere's Law to determine the magnetic field around a cylindrical conductor with a varying current density described by J(r) = J0e−r/R. For r < R, the magnetic field B is derived using the current density and the area, leading to B = (μ0J0e−r/Rr)/2. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly integrating the current density to find the total current enclosed within the Amperian loop, which varies with r. The conversation highlights the need to accurately define the differential area dA and the limits of integration for the calculations. Ultimately, the participants are working through the complexities of the integration process to arrive at the correct expression for B.
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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