Equation for magnetic field line of dipole

[erogard]

Hi, given the equation for a dipole magnetic field in spherical coordinates:

<br /> \vec{B} = \frac{\mu_0 M}{4 \pi} \frac{1}{r^3} \left[ \hat{r} 2 \cos \theta + \bf{\hat{\theta}} \sin \theta \right]<br />

I need to show that the equation for a magnetic field line is r = R \sin^2 \theta
where R is the radius of the magnetic field at the equator (theta = pi/2)

Not sure where to start. I know that the gradient of B would give me a vector that is perpendicular to a given field line...

I also know that a vector potential for a dipole magnetic field in spherical coordinate is given by

<br /> A_\theta = \frac{\mu_0 M}{4 \pi} \frac{sin\theta}{r^2}<br />

 

[Meir Achuz]

The equation for a field line is \frac{dr}{d\theta}=B_r/B_\theta.
I don't think this gives sin^2\theta.

 

[Philip Wood]

Clem has omitted an r.

Clem meant: \frac{B_r}{B_\theta} = \frac{dr}{r d\theta}.

dr is the radial increment in the line corresponding to a tangential increment r d\theta.

The resulting DE is solved by separating variables, and yield logs on each side. You use the condition that r = R when \theta = \pi/2 to re-express the arbitrary constant. You do get just what you said.

 

[JMeck]

But why is the equation for the field lines:

\frac{B_r}{B_\theta} = \frac {dr}{rd\theta} ??

I can see how solve this to give the equation:

r = R sin^2 \theta

where R is r when θ is ∏/2. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Philip Wood]

You need to recall what is meant by a field line: a line whose direction at every point along it is the direction of the field at that point. So the ratio of radial to tangential field components must be the same as the ratio of tangential to radial components of the line increment.

 

[JMeck]

Thanks that is great I get it now.