Finding the magnetic field of a loop at far distances

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic field of a current loop in the xy-plane, specifically addressing the magnetic dipole moment and the magnetic field at far distances. The magnetic dipole moment is determined to be ##I\pi R^2 \hat z##. The vector potential is given by ##\vec{A}_{dip} (\vec{r}) = \frac{\mu_0 I R^2}{4 r^2}(\hat z \times \hat r)##, with the need for clarification on the interpretation of the cross product. The conversation suggests consulting resources like Wikipedia for further understanding of magnetic dipoles and the curl of vector products.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic dipole moment and its calculation
  • Familiarity with vector potential and its relation to magnetic fields
  • Knowledge of curl operations in vector calculus
  • Basic concepts of electromagnetism, particularly Biot-Savart law
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical properties of the curl of a cross-product in vector calculus
  • Study the derivation and applications of the magnetic dipole moment
  • Learn about the differences between spherical and cylindrical coordinate systems in electromagnetism
  • Explore the pole model of magnetic dipoles and its simplifications compared to Biot-Savart integrals
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Homework Statement


Loop of current ##I## sitting in the xy plane. Current goes in counter clockwise direction as seen from positive z axis. Find:

a) the magnetic dipole moment
b) the approximate magnetic field at points far from the origin
c) show that, for points on the z axis, your answer is consistent with the exact field (Ex. 5.6), when z R.

Homework Equations


##\vec{m} = I \int d\vec{A}##
##\vec{A}_{dip} (\vec{r}) = \frac{\mu_0 \vec{m} \times \hat r}{4 \pi r^2}##
##\vec{B}=\nabla \times \vec{A}##

The Attempt at a Solution


a) I got that this is ##I\pi R^2 \hat z##
b) I got ##\vec{A}_{dip} (\vec{r}) = \frac{\mu_0 I R^2}{4 r^2}(\hat z \times \hat r)##, but I don't know how to interpret ##(\hat z \times \hat r)##. I tried taking the vector product by treating them as cylindrical coordinates and using the conversion to cartesian, which resulted in ##\hat \phi##. So it says that the vector potential curls around the z axis, which doesn't make sense...

Then I know I have to do ##\vec{B}=\nabla \times \vec{A}##, but that's contingent on the previous part being correct.

c) ?

Any tips?
 
Last edited:
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Hello again. Suggest you google "magnetic dipole". The Wikipedia has a good explanation. One item here that might create some confusion: In some SI units, I have seen the authors write ## B=\mu_o H +\mu_o M ## instead of ## B=\mu_o H +M ##. In any case, try reading Wikipedia. I think the answer is often computed in spherical coordinates rather than cylindrical, but it appears Wikipedia's answers are independent of coordinate system. ## \\ ## editing... Also, there is a formula for the curl of a cross-product of two vectors. It can often be found on the cover or appendix of an E&M textbook. ## \\ ## editing... additional item... A magnetic dipole can also be modeled as a "+" pole at one end and a "-" pole at the other and the inverse square law can be used for the ## H ## from each pole. The calculations using the pole model are a little simpler than Biot-Savart type integrals around the loop. I believe about a month or two ago, I verified the Wikipedia formulas using the pole method when someone else posted a question about the magnetic field of a magnetic dipole. ## \\ ## Here is a "link" to that discussion: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/equation-of-magnetic-field-produced-by-a-solenoid.888895/
 
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