Finding the magnetic field of an infinite cylindrical wire.

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the magnetic field generated by an infinite cylindrical wire with a current density that varies with the distance from the axis. The current density is defined as ##J(s)=ks^2\hat{z}## for points within the radius of the wire and zero outside. The objective is to find the magnetic field ##\vec{B(s)}## in all regions of space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Ampère's law and the curl of the magnetic field to derive the magnetic field. They express confusion about the direction of the magnetic field and its relation to the current density.
  • Some participants question the direction of the magnetic field, suggesting it should not point in the ##\hat{z}## direction and instead be in the ##\hat{\phi}## direction.
  • Others reference the right-hand rule to clarify the direction of the magnetic field around the wire.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the correct direction of the magnetic field and clarifying the assumptions about its orientation. There is no explicit consensus yet, but some guidance has been provided regarding the use of the right-hand rule.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the implications of the varying current density and its effect on the magnetic field, as well as the assumptions about the field's direction based on established physics principles.

ghostfolk
Messages
58
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


An infinite cylindrical wire of radius ##R## carries a current per unit area ##\vec{J}## which varies with the distance from the axis as ##J(s)=ks^2\hat{z}## for ##0<s<R## and zero otherwise where k is a constant.
Find the magnetic field ##\vec{B(s)}## in all space.

Homework Equations


##\oint B \cdot dl=\mu_0I_{enc}##
##\nabla \times B=\mu_0 \vec{J}##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
##\oint B \cdot dl=B2\pi s##, ##I_{enc}=
\Bigg\{
\begin{array}{lr}
\frac{\pi ks^4\hat{z}}{2}, 0<s<R\\
\frac{\pi k R^4\hat{z}}{2},s \ge R
\end{array}##
So,
##\vec{B}=
\Bigg\{
\begin{array}{lr}
\frac{ks^3\hat{z}]\mu_0}{4}, 0<s<R\\
\frac{kR^4\hat{z}\mu_0}{4s}, s \ge R
\end{array}##.
However, when I calculate the curl of ##\vec{B}##, I don't get back ##\vec{J}##. Where am I wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For one thing, ##\vec{B}## doesn't point in the ##\hat{z}## direction.
 
vela said:
For one thing, ##\vec{B}## doesn't point in the ##\hat{z}## direction.
It's radially isn't it?
 
No. You must have seen figures depicting the magnetic field around a wire in your book, right? Use the right-hand rule to determine the direction.
 
vela said:
No. You must have seen figures depicting the magnetic field around a wire in your book, right? Use the right-hand rule to determine the direction.
Okay. So if I use ##\vec{J} \times \vec{r}## to find the direction of the magnetic field inside the wire, then the magnetic field should be in the ##\hat{\phi}## direction?
 
Yup.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K