B field at the center of a large charges sheet

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the magnetic field (B) near the surface of a moving charged plastic film, which has a uniform surface electric charge density (σ). The context is set within a manufacturing process where the film travels between rollers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various methods to approach the problem, including the use of Biot-Savart law and Ampere's law. There are attempts to set up integrals and coordinate systems, with some participants questioning the appropriateness of different methods. Others suggest finding the electric field first before relating it to the magnetic field.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with multiple interpretations being explored regarding the application of Biot-Savart law versus Ampere's law. Some participants express confusion about the expected method as indicated by their lecturer, while others provide insights on how to conceptualize the problem using current-carrying strips.

Contextual Notes

There is a specific expectation from the lecturer to solve the problem using Biot-Savart law, which has led to some tension in the discussion regarding the best approach. Participants are also considering the implications of treating the charged sheet as parallel currents.

zimo
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Homework Statement



In a plastic film factory, a wide belt of
thin plastic material is traveling between two successive
rollers with the speed v. In the manufacturing process, the
film has accumulated a uniform surface electric charge
density σ. What is B near the surface of the belt in the
middle of a large flat span?

Homework Equations



B(x) = \frac{\mu I}{4\pi}\int \frac{dx' \times (x-x')}{|x-x'|^{3}}

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to calculate the integral, starting with assuming that the sheet can be represented via cylindrical coordinates - to better use the r and sin(theta) - a result from the cross product.
But then I've got in the integrand \frac{sin(\theta)}{r} and then solved the dr part with log(r)|{inf to 0} and couldn't progress from there, so I suppose I made an error somewhere but can't find it.
 
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Since you are in the middle of a large flat span of uniform charge density, it is perhaps simpler to apply Ampere's law than try to brute force it with Biot-Savart.
 
Maybe you are right, but the lecturer pointed out specifically to use Biot-Savart on this one...
 
I think it would be right, if you first find the electric field. Then use Maxwell's equation to find the B.
 
I approached him and asked it today, he said that he expects us to solve it only by Bio-Savart...
 
Regard the moving charged sheet as currents running in parallel wires. A strip of width \Deltaw will be equivalent to a wire carrying current \sigma \Deltaw v. Agreed?

Now, using the B-S law to find B due to a long straight wire is a standard derivation. I expect you've learned it already. [The result can be derived in one line from A's Law.]

So now you need to integrate the fields at a 'central point', due these strips of the sheet. A diagram is essential here. You'll need to use the right hand grip rule to get the direction of these fields, and then you'll need to add the fields as vectors. This isn't as hard as it sounds because field components perpendicular to the sheet cancel. Again, your answer can be checked in one line using A's Law.
 

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