Electromagnetic fields of a rotating solid sphere: total charge inside

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric and magnetic fields of a rotating solid sphere with radius 'a' and angular velocity 'ω' in an inertial frame 'K'. The magnetic field is described by the equation \textbf{B}=\frac{3 \hat{r} \left( \hat{r} \bullet \textbf{M} \right) - \textbf{M}} {a^{3}}, where 'M' is the magnetic moment located at the sphere's center. The total charge inside the sphere is determined using the equation Q_{enc}=\frac{1}{4π}\int \textbf{E} \bullet \textbf{da}, with the electric field derived as \textbf{E}=\frac{Mω} {ca^{2} \sqrt{1-\frac{ω^{2}a^{2}} {c^{2}}sin^{2} \left(θ \right)}} \left(sin^{2}θ \hat{r} - 2sinθcosθ \hat{θ} \right). The challenge lies in correctly defining the surface element 'da' for the rotating sphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic field equations, specifically Lorentz transformations.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly surface integrals.
  • Knowledge of magnetic dipole fields and their properties.
  • Basic principles of classical mechanics related to rotating bodies.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Lorentz transformations in electromagnetic fields.
  • Learn about surface integrals in vector calculus for calculating electric flux.
  • Explore the properties of magnetic dipole fields in rotating systems.
  • Investigate the implications of relativistic effects on electric and magnetic fields.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, classical mechanics, and advanced calculus. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electromagnetic fields in rotating systems.

/flûks/
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Homework Statement


A solid sphere of radius a rotates with angular velocity ω\hat{z} relative to an inertial frame K in which the sphere's center is at rest. In a frame K' located at the surface of the sphere, there is no electric field, and the magnetic field is a dipole field with M=M\hat{z} located at the center of the sphere.

First find the electric and magnetic fields as measured in the K frame and do not assume ωa<<c, then calculate the total charge inside the planet also in the K frame, this time assuming ωa<<c.

Homework Equations



(i) \textbf{B}=\frac{3 \hat{r} \left( \hat{r} \bullet \textbf{M} \right) - \textbf{M}} {a^{3}}

(ii) Q_{enc}=\frac{1}{4π}\int \textbf{E} \bullet \textbf{da}

Also the Lorentz transformation equations to go from E' to E and B' to B (don't want to type...):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorent...z_transformation_of_the_electromagnetic_field

The Attempt at a Solution



I got the transformed electric and magnetic fields, and I want to use (ii) to find the total charge using the electric field I get:

\textbf{E}=\frac{Mω} {ca^{2} \sqrt{1-\frac{ω^{2}a^{2}} {c^{2}}sin^{2} \left(θ \right)}} \left(sin^{2}θ \hat{r} - 2sinθcosθ \hat{θ} \right)

BUT I do not know what da would be in this case, since the sphere is rotating in the K frame. Conventionally da is just

r dr dθ \hat{r}

EDIT: but that surface element only accounts for part of the electric flux. I guess I'm just not sure. Any insights on this?
 
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hi /flûks/! :smile:
/flûks/ said:
BUT I do not know what da would be in this case, since the sphere is rotating in the K frame. Conventionally da is just

r dr dθ \hat{r}

it doesn't matter that the real sphere is rotating …

you're integrating over an imaginary sphere! :wink:
(since you have found E in the stationary frame, you integrate as usual)
 

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