Ampere's Law for Cylindrical Conductor

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Ampere's Law to a cylindrical conductor, specifically addressing the calculation of enclosed current (Iencl) within a conducting tube. The user defines the current density for the outer tube as J1 = -I/(π(Ra² - Rb²)) and calculates the area of the enclosed portion as A1 = π(Ra² - r²). However, confusion arises regarding the correct expression for A1 and the definitions of Ra and Rb, leading to an incorrect calculation of Iencl. Clarification is needed on the definitions of the inner and outer radii of the tube.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates
  • Knowledge of current density and its calculations
  • Basic geometry related to areas of circles
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of Ampere's Law for cylindrical conductors
  • Study the concepts of current density and its implications in electromagnetic theory
  • Examine the geometric properties of circles and their areas
  • Explore common mistakes in applying Ampere's Law in cylindrical geometries
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone studying electromagnetic theory, particularly those focusing on cylindrical conductors and current calculations.

amwil
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Homework Statement
A solid cylindrical conductor is supported by insulating disks on the axis of a conducting tube with outer radius Ra = 6.85 cm and inner radius Rb = 3.75 cm . (Figure 1) The central conductor and the conducting tube carry equal currents of I = 2.85 A in opposite directions. The currents are distributed uniformly over the cross sections of each conductor. What is the value of the magnetic field at a distance r = 4.74 cm from the axis of the conducting tube?
What is the expression for the current Iencl enclosed in the path of integration in terms of the current I , the outer radius Ra , the inner radius Rb , and the distance from the axis r where Ra>r>Rb ?
Express your answer in terms of I , Ra , Rb , and r .
Relevant Equations
I = JA
I know that Ienl for the inner cylinder is just I and the current density for the outer tube is J1= -I/(pi(Ra^2-Rb^2). I assume that the current through the enclosed portion of the conducting tube (I1) is equal to J1(A1) where A1 is the area of the enclosed portion of the conducting tube. I found A1=pi(Ra^2-r^2) then multiplied it by J1 to get I1 = (-I(Ra^2-r^2))/(Ra^2-Rb^2). Then I added Iencl for the inner cylinder and I1 for the outer tube to get Iencl= I + (-I(Ra^2-r^2))/(Ra^2-Rb^2) but it said this was wrong. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong??
 
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amwil said:
I know that Ienl for the inner cylinder is just I and the current density for the outer tube is J1= -I/(pi(Ra^2-Rb^2).
OK

amwil said:
I assume that the current through the enclosed portion of the conducting tube (I1) is equal to J1(A1) where A1 is the area of the enclosed portion of the conducting tube.
OK

amwil said:
I found A1=pi(Ra^2-r^2)
Are you sure this is the correct expression for the area of the enclosed portion of the tube?
 
To be more explicit: Is ##R_a## the inner radius or is it the outer radius of the tube?
 

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