Determine whether vector field is magnetic or electrostatic

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining whether three given vector fields are electrostatic or magnetic. The first vector field, F1(x, y, z) = A (9yz ex + xz ey + xy ez), is identified as electrostatic due to its curl being zero, indicating no time-varying magnetic field. The second and third vector fields, F2(r,∅,z) and F3(r,θ,∅), require further analysis using divergence and curl properties. Key principles discussed include the divergence of electric fields (div E = ρ / ε0) and the magnetic field divergence (div B = 0), which is essential for identifying magnetic fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically divergence and curl operations.
  • Familiarity with electrostatic fields and their properties, including Faraday's law.
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and the concept of magnetic charge density.
  • Proficiency in using mathematical tools such as matrices for vector field analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of magnetic fields, focusing on the divergence theorem and its implications (div B = 0).
  • Learn about electrostatic fields and their characteristics, particularly the conditions under which curl E = 0.
  • Explore Faraday's law of induction and its application in determining field types.
  • Practice solving vector field problems using matrix representations to analyze divergence and curl.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, vector calculus, and field theory, will benefit from this discussion.

Roodles01
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Homework Statement


Three vector fields are listed below. Determine whether each of them is electrostatic field or magnetic field.

Homework Equations


F1(x, y, z) = A (9yz ex + xz ey + xy ez)
F2(r,∅,z) = A [(cosx/r)er + (sinx/r) e]
F3(r,θ,∅) = Ar2 e(-r/a) er

The Attempt at a Solution


Used matrix to determine the first one
| ex ey ez |
|δ/δx δ/δy δ/δz|
|yz xz xy |
as electrostatic (curl = 0 = -δB/δt) & fine with the how & what defines an electrostatic field
but . . . .
not sure how to determine whether one of these fields is magnetic or not!

Help please.
Thank you.
 
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What do you know about the divergence of the electric and magnetic fields?

ehild
 
1. divergence should be proportional to the density of magnetic "charge" (div B = 0 - no monople law)

2. div E = ρ / E0
(and for a conservative (electrostatic) field the curl should be zero. (Faradays law - curl E - -∂B/∂t))

The difference is that I "get" 2 and can show this by the matrix I showed above, but not sure how to apply 1 to come to the conclusion of whether it's an electrostatic field or magnetic field.

Can I go down a similar route to find that divB = 0
 
Last edited:
OK, OK I've kicked off a bit early.
I will be using the equations booklet & make sure I look at it to complete problems in the way I've been taught (although coming back to it from a while ago dulls the mind if you're not using it).
 

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