FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a vector potential that corresponds to a given time-dependent magnetic field, expressed as B = Bo (t/tau) z hat, where Bo and tau are constants. The problem involves understanding the relationship between the magnetic field and the vector potential, as well as the implications for the electric field under certain assumptions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss taking the curl of the vector potential to derive the magnetic field and explore the implications of the Lorentz gauge. There are questions about the assumptions regarding the scalar potential and the gauge condition. Some suggest writing the equations in Cartesian coordinates to simplify the process of finding the components of the vector potential.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various approaches to finding the vector potential, with some participants suggesting explicit methods while others express uncertainty about the assumptions being made. There is acknowledgment of the freedom in choosing the vector potential due to gauge invariance, and a participant notes that the simplest form of the vector potential should be selected to yield the correct magnetic field.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need to satisfy certain conditions, such as the relationship between the electric field and the potentials, while also recognizing that the problem may involve multiple interpretations and approaches without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Nusc
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Homework Statement



In a certain region, the magnetic field as a linear function of time is given by

[tex] B = Bo \frac{t}{/tau} z hat[/tex]
Bo and tau constants.

A)FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field.
B)Assuming the scalar potential is a constant, find E from the above result for the vector potential. Check that your answer is consistent with the diff form of faradays law

Homework Equations


[tex] \nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}[/tex]

[tex] \mathbf{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4 \pi} \int \frac{\mathbf{J}(\mathbf{rsingle-quote},t_r)}{\cal{R}} d\tausingle-quote[/tex]

[tex] t_r \equiv t - \frac{\cal{R}}{c}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] B= \nabla \times A [/tex]

We take the curl of B on the LHS and on the RHS we have
[tex] \nabla \times (\nabla \times A )[/tex]

Eventually we will get to this [tex] \nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}[/tex]This is assuming were in the Lorentz Gauge, we don't know if we are. Or do we assume we are? We have to satisfy E = -delV -dA/dt but we don't know either of those quantities.
 
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say if

kt y-hat = K x xhat

What mathematical operation would I apply to show that
K = kt z-hat

I don't thin kthat is even relevant
 
Last edited:
A) Take curl(BXr)/2 and see what you get.
 
Nusc said:

Homework Statement



In a certain region, the magnetic field as a linear function of time is given by

[tex] B = Bo \frac{t}{/tau} z hat[/tex]
Bo and tau constants.

A)FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field.
B)Assuming the scalar potential is a constant, find E from the above result for the vector potential. Check that your answer is consistent with the diff form of faradays law

Homework Equations


[tex] \nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}[/tex]

[tex] \mathbf{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4 \pi} \int \frac{\mathbf{J}(\mathbf{rsingle-quote},t_r)}{\cal{R}} d\tausingle-quote[/tex]

[tex] t_r \equiv t - \frac{\cal{R}}{c}[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex] B= \nabla \times A [/tex]

We take the curl of B on the LHS and on the RHS we have
[tex] \nabla \times (\nabla \times A )[/tex]

Eventually we will get to this [tex] \nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}[/tex]


This is assuming were in the Lorentz Gauge, we don't know if we are. Or do we assume we are? We have to satisfy E = -delV -dA/dt but we don't know either of those quantities.

The simples way to go about this is to simply write explicitly [tex] B= \nabla \times A [/tex]
in cartesian coordinates.

You will get simple equations for A_x, A_y and A_z. It should be easy to pick functions A-x, A_y, A_z that satisfy those equations. You don't need anything else.
 
nrqed said:
The simples way to go about this is to simply write explicitly [tex] B= \nabla \times A [/tex]
in cartesian coordinates.

You will get simple equations for A_x, A_y and A_z. It should be easy to pick functions A-x, A_y, A_z that satisfy those equations. You don't need anything else.

Doing this would only yield

dA_y/dx - dA_x/dy = Bo(t/tau) since B has only z-components.

Solving this differential equation would still give unknown A_y A_x.

There should be an explicit way of doing this, no?
 
Remember that the vector potential is not physically different even if you add a gradient of a function. So you have a certain freedom available to pick the solution.
 
Nusc said:
Doing this would only yield

dA_y/dx - dA_x/dy = Bo(t/tau) since B has only z-components.

Solving this differential equation would still give unknown A_y A_x.

There should be an explicit way of doing this, no?

Of course A is defined up to gauge transformations only so many different A's give the same physics. This is why the question asks you to find a simple expression for A. Just pick the simplest A that yields the correct B

(don't forget to make sure that the other components of the equation also work)
 
OKay problem solved. You can close this thread.
 

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