Find the magnetic field of an infinite uniform surface

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around the magnetic field generated by an infinite uniform surface current, as presented in Griffiths' textbook. Participants explore the behavior of the magnetic field, particularly questioning the absence of a z-component and the implications of changing current direction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants examine the effects of rotating the coordinate system on the magnetic field components. There is a discussion about whether the magnetic field can exist beneath the current plane and how the right-hand rule applies to the direction of the magnetic field above and below the plane.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the directionality of the magnetic field and its behavior under the Biot-Savart Law. There is acknowledgment of differing interpretations regarding the cancellation of the magnetic field and the contributions from various segments of the current.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating assumptions about the geometry of the current flow and the implications of the infinite plane setup. The discussion reflects a need for clarity on the definitions and effects of the magnetic field in this context.

BREAD
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Homework Statement


234234-png.90190.png

This example is from 3rd edition of Griffiths' textbook. Ex. 5.8 on page 226
I understand that by reversing the direction of the current, sign of B is switched. but i can't get it that highlighted part. and why B doesn't have z-component?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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BREAD said:

Homework Statement


234234-png.90190.png

This example is from 3rd edition of Griffiths' textbook. Ex. 5.8 on page 226
I understand that by reversing the direction of the current, sign of B is switched. but i can't get it that highlighted part. and why B doesn't have z-component?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Think about what would happen if we rotated the coordinate system. Originally the current was in the +x direction, but we rotate our original coordinate system -90 degrees around the z-axis so that now the flow of K is in the +y direction. The z-component of B wouldn't change, correct?

Now if we changed the direction of the flow of current in the plane, it is analogous to the rotation above. The z-component of B can't change by simply changing where we define x and y. Therefore there is no z-component of B.
 
LunaFly said:
Think about what would happen if we rotated the coordinate system. Originally the current was in the +x direction, but we rotate our original coordinate system -90 degrees around the z-axis so that now the flow of K is in the +y direction. The z-component of B wouldn't change, correct?

Now if we changed the direction of the flow of current in the plane, it is analogous to the rotation above. The z-component of B can't change by simply changing where we define x and y. Therefore there is no z-component of B.
2342323.PNG


But the current flow in the infinite plane. if i draw a lot of loops as seen in the picture,
i think B is canceled out and entire B can not be existed , what is wrong with my thought??
 
The magnetic field beneath the plane of current travels in the opposite direction of that above the plane (use the right hand rule... above the plane, B is in the -y direction, and below the plane, B is in the +y direction). Thus when using Biot-Savart Law, the integral around the loop is the sum of the field above the plane times the length l plus the field below the plane times l (the vertical edges have no contribution). Notice that both above the plane and below the plane, the magnetic field B is in the same direction as the path ds. Therefore the fields will not cancel; they will add.
 
LunaFly said:
The magnetic field beneath the plane of current travels in the opposite direction of that above the plane (use the right hand rule... above the plane, B is in the -y direction, and below the plane, B is in the +y direction). Thus when using Biot-Savart Law, the integral around the loop is the sum of the field above the plane times the length l plus the field below the plane times l (the vertical edges have no contribution). Notice that both above the plane and below the plane, the magnetic field B is in the same direction as the path ds. Therefore the fields will not cancel; they will add.
thank you. i got it !
 

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