Magnetic field and current of solid wire

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a solid conducting wire carrying a non-uniform current density described by J=J(0) * (1 - r/R). Participants are exploring the calculation of total current and the application of integration to account for the varying current density across the wire's cross-section.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to integrate to find total current due to the non-constant current density. Questions arise regarding the correct setup for integration and the interpretation of variables involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have successfully derived expressions for total current and are now considering the implications for further parts of the problem. There is an ongoing exploration of whether additional integration is necessary for subsequent calculations, particularly in relation to Ampere's Law.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment and are addressing specific feedback from an online platform regarding variable sensitivity. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify concepts and calculations without providing direct solutions.

gills
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Homework Statement


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This is also a problem on my Masteringphysics:

A solid conducting wire of radius runs parallel to the axis and carries a current density given by J=J(0) * (1 - r/R)[tex]\hat{k}[/tex] , where J(0) is a constant and r is the radial distance from the wire axis.

The parts are the same as in the textbook.


Homework Equations


biot savart law

J=I/A


The Attempt at a Solution



I haven't answered part B, or C yet.

ok, when I'm entering my answer for part A on masteringphysics, it keeps telling me "variables are case senstive, make sure that you have the right case on your variables." I've switched them around, and it keeps saying the same thing.

Anyway, my simplified answer is J(0)pi*R[tex]^{2}[/tex](1-[tex]\frac{r}{R}[/tex])


Since J is the current density of the wire, the current is just J*Area, right? That's basically what I'm doing, but something is off. Any help would be great.

Thanks
 
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Why does your answer for total current have an r in it?

You have to integrate to find the total current, since the current density is not constant.
 
Since the density is not constant in the wire (depends on the distance from the center), I guess you will need to integrate over the area instead of just mupliplying. Btw, what is ^k?
 
Kurret said:
Since the density is not constant in the wire (depends on the distance from the center), I guess you will need to integrate over the area instead of just mupliplying. Btw, what is ^k?

it's [tex]\hat{k}[/tex], the vector direction.
 
Doc Al said:
Why does your answer for total current have an r in it?

You have to integrate to find the total current, since the current density is not constant.

ok, so i integrate from 0 to R in the given formula and i get

J = J(0)*[tex]\frac{R}{2}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{I}{A}[/tex] -->

I = J(0)*(piR^3/2)


??
 
That's not correct. Show how you did the integration:
[tex]I = \int J dA[/tex]
 
Doc Al said:
That's not correct. Show how you did the integration:
[tex]I = \int J dA[/tex]

ok, i actually integrated only J from 0 to R then multiplied by the area after the integration. So i'll integrate what you said.

so DA = (pi*r)dr ??
 
gills said:
so DA = (pi*r)dr ??
Almost. What's the circumference of a circle?
 
Doc Al said:
Almost. What's the circumference of a circle?

circumference is 2pi*r

Would dA be 2pi*r dr?

why the need for the circumference?
 
  • #10
gills said:
circumference is 2pi*r

Would dA be 2pi*r dr?
Yes.

why the need for the circumference?
Because you dividing the disk into circular rings so you can integrate.
 
  • #11
Doc Al said:
Yes.


Because you dividing the disk into circular rings so you can integrate.

ahhh indeed!

i've got I = J(0)*((pi*R^2)/3))
 
  • #12
Looks good!
 
  • #13
Doc Al said:
Looks good!

it's correct, thank you..

For part B, using ampere's Law i came up with ([tex]\mu[/tex](0)*J(0)*R^2)/6r which came out to be correct.

Now for part C, do i need to integrate again since the current surrounded will not be from the whole wire? or I'm just replacing R with r for the total current now because the amperian line is inside the wire?
 
Last edited:
  • #14
gills said:
Now for part C, do i need to integrate again since the current surrounded will not be from the whole wire?
Yes.
or I'm just replacing R with r for the total current now...
Not sure what you mean... but don't do it! :wink:
 
  • #15
Doc Al said:
Yes.

Not sure what you mean... but don't do it! :wink:

gotcha, haha. Thanks for the help, i'll let you know if i get it.
 
  • #16
SOLVED!

thanks (again) Doc
 

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