Is All Magnetic Field Really Zero According to Maxwell's Equations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of Maxwell's equations, specifically the equation stating that the divergence of the magnetic field, represented as \(\nabla\cdot\vec{B} = 0\), implies that all magnetic fields are zero. The derivation involves applying the divergence theorem and Stokes' theorem, leading to the conclusion that the magnetic vector potential \(\vec{A}\) is path independent and can be expressed as \(\vec{A} = \nabla\psi\). However, a critical point raised is the applicability of Stokes' theorem, suggesting that the region in question may not be simply connected, which could invalidate the proof.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, particularly the divergence of magnetic fields.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus concepts such as divergence and curl.
  • Knowledge of Stokes' theorem and its conditions for application.
  • Basic understanding of scalar and vector potentials in electromagnetism.
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  • Study the implications of Maxwell's equations in electromagnetism.
  • Learn about the conditions under which Stokes' theorem can be applied.
  • Explore the concept of simply connected regions in vector calculus.
  • Investigate the role of magnetic vector potential in electromagnetic theory.
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who seek to deepen their understanding of magnetic fields and the mathematical frameworks that describe them.

typhoonss821
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One of Maxwell's equations says that <br /> \nabla\cdot\vec{B}{=0}<br /> where B is any magnetic field.
Then using the divergence theore, we find
<br /> \int\int_S \vec{B}\cdot\hat{n}dS=\int\int\int_V \nabla\cdot\vec{B}dV=0<br />.

Because B has zero divergence, there must exist a vector function, say A, such that
<br /> \vec{B}=\nabla\times\vec{A}<br /> .
Combining these two equations, we get
<br /> \int\int_S \hat{n}\cdot\nabla\times\vec{A}dS=0<br /> .
Next we apply Stoke's theorem and the preceding result to find
<br /> \oint_C\vec{A}\cdot\hat{t}ds=\int\int_S\hat{n}\cdot\nabla\times\vec{A}dS=0<br /> .
Thus A is path independent. It follows that we can write
<br /> \vec{A}=\nabla\psi <br /> , where ψ is some scalar fution.

Since the curl of the gradient of a function is zero, we arrive at the remarkable fact that
<br /> \vec{B}=\nabla\times\nabla\psi=0<br />
that is, all magnetic field is zero!

Wow, there must be something wrong...

My thought is that we can not apply Stoke's theorem in this case because the region we discuss is not simply connected.

But I'm not sure if I am right, please help me check the proof^^
 
Last edited:
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The surface you use for the divergence theorem is a closed surface that encloses a volume. The surface is from the Stokes theorem is a surface that has the contour C as edge.
 

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