Calculate electromagnetic momentum given a solenoid and point charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electromagnetic momentum and angular momentum of a point charge q located at a distance a greater than the radius R of an infinite solenoid with n turns per unit length and current I. The derived formulas are \(\vec{p_{em}} = \frac{\mu_0 q n I R^2}{2a}\) for linear momentum and \(\vec{L_{em}} = 0\) for angular momentum. Key equations include the momentum density \(\vec{\rho_{em}} = \epsilon_0 \vec{E} \times \vec{B}\) and the electric field \(\vec{E} = \frac{q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 r^2} \hat{r}\). The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the geometry of the situation and the behavior of fields inside and outside the solenoid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically Maxwell's equations.
  • Familiarity with solenoid properties and magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, particularly cross products.
  • Basic principles of electric fields generated by point charges.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electromagnetic momentum in different geometries.
  • Learn about the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in non-conductive materials.
  • Explore the implications of translational invariance in electromagnetic problems.
  • Investigate the application of the Biot-Savart law in solenoid configurations.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators looking for practical examples of electromagnetic momentum calculations.

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Homework Statement


A point charge q is a distance a > R from the axis of an infinite solenoid (radius R, n turns per unit length, current I). Find the linear momentum and the angular momentum in the fields. (Put q on the x axis, with the solenoid along z; treat the solenoid as a nonconductor, so that you don’t need to worry about the induced charges on its surface).
[Answer: \vec{p_{em}} = \frac{\mu_0 q n I R^2}{2a} and \vec{L_{em}} = 0

Homework Equations


\vec{\rho_{em}} = \epsilon_0 \vec{E}\times\vec{B}

The Attempt at a Solution


So I know that I'm suppose to get the linear momentum density and then integrate over surface area to get the momentum.
And for linear momentum density I just take r X (E x B) then integrate over the surface area.
I have B(s>R) = 0 and B(s<R) = \mu_0 n I \hat{z}
The problem I'm having is setting up the electric field.
I know that it is \vec{E} = \frac{q}{4 \pi \epsilon_0 r^2} \hat{r}

r^2 = (x-a)^2 + y^2 + z^2 and since there is translational invariance along \hat{z} I just dropped it altogether. But for \hat{r} I'm unsure how to define it so that I can get a cross product. I was thinking that it should be equal to r cos \theta + r sin \theta then take A X B = ABcos\theta but since cross product is not distributive I'm just unsure.
I'm very confused about how to approach the geometry of the situation and this is not the first time this has been an issue for me. Any help is appreciated.
 
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You say that the charge is at a position a > R from the axis of the solenoid, so it is outside the solenoid where the magnetic field is zero. Won't your cross products involving B be zero magnitude too?
 
For the portion outside the solenoid they will but there is still an electric and magnetic field inside the solenoid. But the electric field is still present inside the solenoid since the problem states it is a non-conductor.
 
Ah. So the charge is expressing its field inside the solenoid where there is a B field. Got it.
 

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