Biot Savart Law with a surface current

In summary, the conversation discusses a disc with a uniformly distributed total charge Q and a constant angular velocity w. Using a coordinate system, the local current density and surface current are determined for a point in the xy plane. The Biot Savart Law is then used to find the magnetic field at two different points, r=sk and r=-sk. A mistake is initially made, but the correct answer is found by modeling the solution as a sum of current loops and applying the Biot Savart Law.
  • #1
OmarRod
3
0

Homework Statement


There is a disc with radius R which has a uniformly-distributed total charge Q, rotating with a constant angular velocity w.

(a) in a coordinate system arranged so that the disc lies in the xy plane with its center at the origin, and so that the angular momentum point in the positive z direction, the local current density can be written J(x,y,z) = K(x,y) d(z). determine the surface current K(x,y) in terms of Q, w, and R.

(b) using the Biot Savart law, determine the magnetic field at point r=sk, k is the vector direction. find the same for r=-sk.


Homework Equations


Biot Savart Law


The Attempt at a Solution



I obtained K= Q(w X R) / pi*R squared for part A, but I'm not sure how that's supposed to fit into the Biot Savart Law.
 
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  • #2
Note that the velocity of the current is not equal for charges at R/2 as it is for charges at R (the angular velocity is the same, but the radii are different). Try modeling the solution as a sum of current loops of width dr, with approximately equal radius (and thus velocity)

This answer would then be the current, which can be modeled with the Biot-Savart law.

~Lyuokdea
 
  • #3
Lyuokdea said:
Note that the velocity of the current is not equal for charges at R/2 as it is for charges at R (the angular velocity is the same, but the radii are different). Try modeling the solution as a sum of current loops of width dr, with approximately equal radius (and thus velocity)

This answer would then be the current, which can be modeled with the Biot-Savart law.

Ok, I've done this and after applying Biot Savart's Law, I get a zero magnetic field. This can't be right can it?
 
  • #4
that doesn't sound right...what did you get for J, and how did you include this into the biot savart law?

~Lyuokdea
 
  • #5
nevermind, i looked at it again and found my mistake. thanks!
 

1. What is the Biot Savart Law with a surface current?

The Biot Savart Law with a surface current is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that describes the magnetic field produced by a surface current. It states that the magnetic field at a point is directly proportional to the current and the length of the current element, and inversely proportional to the distance between the point and the current element.

2. How is the Biot Savart Law with a surface current different from the regular Biot Savart Law?

The regular Biot Savart Law only applies to a current flowing through a wire, while the Biot Savart Law with a surface current applies to a current flowing over a surface. The surface current can have a varying magnitude and direction at different points on the surface, making the calculation of the magnetic field more complex.

3. What are some real-life applications of the Biot Savart Law with a surface current?

The Biot Savart Law with a surface current is used in various fields such as geophysics, where it is used to study the Earth's magnetic field and map the Earth's subsurface structures. It is also used in the design of magnetic sensors and generators, as well as in the study of plasma physics and astrophysics.

4. How is the Biot Savart Law with a surface current derived?

The Biot Savart Law with a surface current is derived from the Biot Savart Law and the principle of superposition. It involves integrating the contributions of infinitesimal current elements over the entire surface to calculate the total magnetic field at a point.

5. Are there any limitations of the Biot Savart Law with a surface current?

One limitation of the Biot Savart Law with a surface current is that it assumes an infinitely thin surface current, which may not be true in real-life situations. It also does not take into account the effects of eddy currents or other sources of magnetic fields, which may affect the accuracy of the calculation.

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