B Field Inside of Sphere using Sep. Variables

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the magnetic field inside a uniformly magnetized sphere, given that the free current density is zero everywhere. The context includes the use of a scalar potential and Poisson’s equation, with references to a textbook for additional guidance.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the magnetization vector and its representation in spherical coordinates, particularly questioning the transition from a general form of magnetization to a specific expression involving cos(θ). There is also inquiry into the implications of boundary conditions at the surface of the sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on specific aspects of the problem, particularly regarding the representation of the magnetization vector. Some guidance has been offered regarding the normal component of magnetization at the boundary, but no consensus has been reached on the underlying reasoning.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of access to the complete problem statement from Griffiths, which may be affecting the clarity of the discussion. Participants are also navigating the constraints of the problem setup, including the implications of the coordinate system used.

bowlbase
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Done editing I hope.

Homework Statement


If Jf = 0 everywhere, then (as we showed in class), one can express H as the gradient of a scalar potential, W. W satisfies Poisson’s equation with ∇⋅M as the source. Use this fact to find the field inside a uniformly magnetized sphere. (Griffiths has some additional verbiage
intended to help, but I think you already know what he says.) Compare your answer with
example 6.1 (p. 264-5), which is this problem solved by another method.

Homework Equations



##H^\perp_{above} - H^\perp_{below}=-(M^\perp_{above}- M^\perp_{below})##

The Attempt at a Solution



My question is with the constraints and in particular the one I have in the equations section. I had this as ##∇W^\perp_{in} - ∇W^\perp_{out}=M^\perp## Since at r=R they are equivalent. I know that ##M^\perp## must writable as some version of M but I cannot determine what. I know the solutions manual has ##M\hat{z}\hat{r}= Mcos(θ)## but I don't understand how they have ##\hat{z}## in spherical coordinates...

Thanks for any clarification.
 
Last edited:
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Can you be more precise about your confusion regarding \hat{z}?
 
More than the z vector I'm just confused how they got from M orthogonal to Mcos(θ). What is the reasoning or the process?
 
I don't own a copy of Griffiths and you haven't shown the whole problem, so I'm going to make a guess that the magnetization is along the z axis? The component of M normal to the boundary (at r=R) is proportional to cos(theta). You can see this intuitively: at theta=0, M is normal to the boundary so Mnormal=M. At 90 deg, M is tangential to the circle so Mnormal=0.
 

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