Lorrentz force law & vector notation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic field produced by a current element using the Lorentz force law and vector notation. The current element is 3.0 mm long, carries a current of 2.5 A, and is centered at the origin of Cartesian coordinates. The initial attempt at the solution involves the equation ∂B = (I ∂I (r-r0)) / |r-r0|^3, but confusion arises regarding the vector notation. The final answer is stated as 1.8 x 10^-11 T in the ey direction, with suggestions to consider the Biot–Savart law for a more accurate approach.

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Roodles01
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Homework Statement


A current element is 3.0mm long, centerd on the origin of cartesian coordinates, and carries a current of 2.5A in the direction ez.
What field does it produce at the point (3.0, 0, 4.0)


Homework Equations


This is obviously a Lorentz force law question
so . . . ∂B = (I ∂I (r-r0)) / I r-r0 I^3

where B = magnetic field
I - current
r - point of origin
r0 - point being considered


The Attempt at a Solution


B = 4∏x10^-7 / 4∏ x 2.5A x 3.0x10^-3 )(ez(3ex + 4ez)) /5^3

cancelling 4∏'s
B = 10^-7 x 2.5A x 3.0x10^-3 (ez(3ex + 4ez)) /5^3

The number bit is easy, but the problem I have is the vector notation.

Please, how do I do the (ez(3ex + 4ez)) /5^3 bit?

I have the final answer as
1.8x10^-11 T ey
[
 
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I might be missing something, but shouldn't you be considering the Biot–Savart law instead?

It seems to me like you're being asked to determine the magnetic field produced by a current and not the force on a point charge in an EM field.

Edit: I see hints of the Biot–Savart law in your expressions, so I guess it was just a typo.

If you start out with the differential:
<br /> d\mathbf{B} = \frac{u_0}{4\pi}\frac{I d\mathbf{s}\times \mathbf{\hat{r}}}{r^2}<br />
where ##d\mathbf{s}## is directed along the current and ##\mathbf{\hat{r}}## is a unit vector towards the point you're considering.

Then since ##d\mathbf{s}\times \mathbf{\hat{r}}## is always directed along ##\mathbf{e}_y##, you have:
<br /> d\mathbf{B} = \frac{u_0}{4\pi}\frac{I |d\mathbf{s}\times \mathbf{\hat{r}}|}{r^2}\mathbf{e}_y<br />
The problem is then to find expressions for ##d\mathbf{s}## and ##r## in terms of a common variable you can use to integrate over the whole of the current element.

Any help?
 
Last edited:

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