Amperes law: magnetic field inside an infinite slab containing a volume current.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Ampere's Law to find the magnetic field (B) inside an infinite slab containing a volume current density defined as J = k(1 - z²/a²)ây. The slab is centered on the xy-plane, with boundaries at z = ±a/2, and is made of a diamagnetic material. The user contemplates using an Amperian loop to evaluate B but expresses confusion regarding the discontinuity at surface currents and the application of Ampere's Law within a volume current. The solution involves calculating the vector potential A and subsequently deriving B using the relationship B = μ * curl(Ay ây), while considering the effects of magnetization on the magnetic field.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law and its application in magnetostatics.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly curl operations.
  • Knowledge of magnetic materials, specifically diamagnetic properties and magnetization.
  • Ability to perform volume integrals in three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in different geometries, focusing on infinite slabs.
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of the vector potential A in magnetostatics.
  • Explore the relationship between magnetization and magnetic fields in diamagnetic materials.
  • Investigate the implications of surface currents on magnetic field discontinuities.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as engineers working with magnetic materials and fields in practical applications.

JFuld
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Homework Statement


an infinite slab is centered on the xy plane. the top of the slap is at z=a/2, the bottom of the slab is at z= -a/2. A volume current (J) is set up within the slab. find B everywhere

J = k (1 - z^2/a^2) \hat{y}

Homework Equations



amperes law

The Attempt at a Solution



the only thing I am confused about is finding B inside the slab.

I was going to set up my amperian loop as a rectangle, which is oriented perpendicular to the volume current.

The rectangle would extend a distance z above and below z=0 (z still inside the slab)

however my textbook mentions B is discontinious at a surface current, so i am uncertain if my amperian loop takes that into account.

But given the stuff we have learned so far, I am very confident that we are supposed to apply amperes law to this situation.

Can anyone explain if you can still apply amperes law for points inside a volume current?
 
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The only way i see is to
(1) detrmine the vector potential A = (1/4π)∫idv/r
where i = current density across a surface in elemental volume dv anywhere within the slab,
and r = distance from dv to the point of observation. Since i has a y component only, so will A. So A = Ay y.

dv = dx*dy*dz and extends from -∞ < x < ∞, -∞ < y < ∞, and -a/2 < z < a/2
for the part inside the slab. For the outside, integration is limited to |z| > a/2.
r is the distance from each dv to (x,y,z).

This looks like a horrible pair of volume integrals to me!

(2) If you did solve for Ay you could then find B from
B = μ*curl (Ay y).

Sorry this is the best I could do.
 
so I think I may have left out the most important piece of information to this problem:

the slab is made of a diamagnetic material (linear media, magnetization antiparallel to B)

then inside the slab, you apply amperes law for the auxilary field H

B=μ_{o}(1+χ_{m})H

where the magnetization M =χ_{m}H

So this discontinuity I was so worried about is due to the magnetization?
(M should produce a surface current, which is exactly the source of B's discontinuity)I am pretty comfortable doing these types of problems mathematically, but is my reasoning sound?
 

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