How is Magnetic Vector Potential Calculated for a Current Loop on the X-axis?

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SUMMARY

The calculation of the magnetic vector potential \(\vec{A}(x,0,0)\) for a current loop of radius \(a\) carrying a current \(I\) in the \(\phi\) direction is derived using the equation \(\vec{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int_{V'}{\frac{\vec{J}dV'}{R}}\). The integral simplifies to an elliptic integral of the first kind \(K(k)\), but the correct solution also involves the elliptic integral of the second kind \(E(k)\). The final expression for the vector potential is \(A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)} \left(\frac{2E(k)-(2-k^2)K(k)}{k^2}\right).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic vector potential and its significance in electromagnetism.
  • Familiarity with elliptic integrals, specifically the first and second kinds.
  • Knowledge of vector calculus and integration techniques in polar coordinates.
  • Proficiency in using the Biot-Savart law for calculating magnetic fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of elliptic integrals, focusing on \(K(k)\) and \(E(k)\).
  • Learn about the Biot-Savart law and its implications for magnetic fields generated by current loops.
  • Explore advanced integration techniques in polar coordinates for complex integrals.
  • Investigate the physical significance of magnetic vector potential in various electromagnetic contexts.
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Homework Statement


Find the vector potential [tex]\vec{A}(x,0,0)[/tex] (i.e. on the x-axis) for a current loop of radius a, carrying a current I in the [tex]\phi[/tex] direction.

Homework Equations


[tex]\vec{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int_{V'}{\frac{\vec{J}dV'}{R}}[/tex]
Where R is the distance from the source point to the field point. The coordinates are set up so that all primes denote the source and all non-primed denote the field point. (x means the x position of the field point and x' means the x position of the source point)


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so the current flows in the [tex]\phi[/tex] direction so my vector potential should also be in the phi direction. i.e.
[tex]\vec{A}=A_\phi \hat\phi[/tex]

I'm on the x-axis so
[tex]R=\sqrt{(x-x')^2+y'^2}=\sqrt{(x-acos(\phi'))^2+a^2sin^2(\phi')}[/tex]

Expanding out that expression and using the trig identity
[tex]sin^2(x)+cos^2(x)=1[/tex]

I get:
[tex]R = \sqrt{x^2-2axcos(\phi')+a^2}[/tex]

So, I only have to integrate over [tex]\phi[/tex] because the radius of the loop is constant. So my integral is set up in this manner:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{Iad\phi'}{\sqrt{x^2-2xacos(\phi')+a^2}}[/tex]

Where the a appears as is customary when integrating the angle in polar coordinates. I play around with it a bit more to try to get it into a form where I can use elliptic integrals:

[tex]\Rightarrow A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-2xa-2xacos(\phi')}}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-2xa(1+cos(\phi'))}}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-4xacos^2(\frac{\phi'}{2})}}[/tex]
[tex]= \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{4xa}{(x+a)^2}cos^2(\frac{\phi}{2})}}[/tex]

I now make the substitutions:
[tex]k^2=\frac{4xa}{(x+a)^2}[/tex]
[tex]t^2=cos^2(\frac{\phi'}{2})[/tex]

I find dt in terms of [tex]d\phi'[/tex] and do the usual thing and get finally:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{2\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{-1}^{1}\frac{dt}{\sqrt{(1-t^2)(1-k^2t^2)}}[/tex]

Noticing that the integrand is even, I can therefore write:


[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{0}^{1}\frac{dt}{\sqrt{(1-t^2)(1-k^2t^2)}}[/tex]

My integral is an elliptical integral of the first kind K(k) so my final answer is:


[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)}K(k)[/tex]

But herein lies the problem. That's the wrong answer. According to my professor, my integral should consist of not only elliptical integrals of the first kind, but also the second kind E(k). And the general solution should be:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)} (\frac{2E(k)-(2-k^2)K(k)}{k^2})[/tex]

Which is significantly more complicated than my solution. For the life of me, I can't figure out where I went wrong...someone help please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Dont forget that the components of the infinitesimal vector are :[tex]d\vec r = (-a\sin\phi d\phi,a\cos\phi d\phi)[/tex]

So you missed \cos\phi in you integral and it correctly should be:

[tex]A_{\phi}(x,0,0)=\frac{\mu_0 I }{4\pi}\int_0^{2\pi}\frac{a\cos\phi'\,d\phi'}{\sqrt{...}}[/tex]
 

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