Field of long cylindrical shell conductor

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the magnetic field generated by a long cylindrical shell conductor with specified inner and outer radii, carrying a uniform current density. Participants are tasked with calculating the magnetic field at specific points relative to the conductor's geometry and current distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of relevant equations for calculating magnetic fields both inside and outside the conductor. There are attempts to express the magnetic field in terms of the current density provided in the problem statement. Questions arise regarding the correct application of formulas and the values used in calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on rewriting equations in terms of current density, while others are still grappling with the calculations and seeking clarification on their approaches. There is an acknowledgment of errors in the values used for calculations, but no consensus has been reached on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of the problem's parameters, including specific values for current density and the geometry of the cylindrical shell. There is an emphasis on ensuring correct unit conversions and the proper application of the equations provided in the homework statement.

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[SOLVED] Field of long cylindrical shell conductor

Homework Statement


Shown above is the cross-section of a long cylindrical shell conductor of inner radius a=4.00 cm and outer radius b=7.00 cm which carries a current into the page.
The current density J (current/area) is uniform across the shell from r=a to r=b and has the magnitude J=3.6E3 A/m2 where r is the distance from the axis of the shell. (The magnitude of the total current carried by the conductor is thus given by I=J*π*(b2-a2)=37.3 A.)

(a) Find the magnitude of the magnetic field at r=2b=14 cm.

(b) Find the magnitude of the magnetic field at r=(a+b)/2=5.5 cm (halfway between the two shells).

(Hint: how much current is enclosed by the Amperian loop in each case?)


Homework Equations



B = (uIr)/(2pi*R^2) (inside conductor, r<R)
B = (uI)/2pi*r (outside conductor r>R)

where u = 4*pi*10^-7

The Attempt at a Solution



I already solved for part a, getting 5.33E-5 T using the second relevant equation.

But when I used the first relevant equation for part 1, I got 8.4 E-5 which I found out isn't correct. Here's how I did it:

(u*.055*37.3)/(2*pi*(.07^2)) = 8.4E-5 T.

What am I doing wrong?
 

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So I don't have a clue what you are plugging in. Most of the people here will be able to follow algebra much easier than seemingly random numbers, just for a future pointer. Anyway, how would you rewrite that first equation in terms of the current density, which is given to you?
 
Thanks for your help.

Here's what I got:

Since

[tex]J=\frac{I}{\pi*R^{2}}[/tex]

Then
[tex]B=\frac{\mu_{0}Ir}{2\pi*R^{2}}[/tex]

becomes

[tex]B=J*\frac{\mu_{0}*r}{2}[/tex]

and so

[tex]J=\frac{2B}{\mu_0*r}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Sorry for the bump. I still haven't figured out the problem. Is there anyone else that could help?
 
Sorry about leaving you hanging, didn't realize you responded. That should be right.

Inside:
[tex]\mathbf{B}(r) = \frac{\mu_0 J r}{2} \hat{r}[/tex]

Did you get your units right?
 
Last edited:
Hm, I'm still not getting the right answer. Just to let you know, the answer I should be getting is 5.86E-5 T.

Using the formula you gave me, I did as followed:

1) For [tex]r[/tex] I used 5.5 cm = .055 m

2) and then I plugged in 3.6E3 for J (since it was given in the problem).

3)[tex]\mu_{0}=4\pi*10^{-7}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{\mu_{0}*3.6*10^{3}*.055}{2}=1.244*10^{-4} T[/tex]

Am I using the wrong numbers?
 
I figured it out. I had been using the incorrect value for J.
 

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