Magnetic field due to infinite plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the magnetic induction vector B due to an infinite plane carrying a current with linear density i. Participants confirm that Ampere's circuital law can be applied by using a rectangular Amperian loop around a section of the plane. The resulting magnetic field H is determined to be H = i/2 (in amp/m), with the field direction being perpendicular to the current and opposite on either side of the plane. This method effectively demonstrates the symmetry and application of Ampere's law in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Ampere's Circuital Law
  • Magnetic Field Concepts
  • Understanding of Linear Current Density
  • Basic Integration Techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Circuital Law in different geometries
  • Learn about magnetic fields generated by various current configurations
  • Explore the concept of magnetic field lines and their properties
  • Investigate the relationship between current density and magnetic fields in conductive materials
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electromagnetism and magnetic field calculations.

Saitama
Messages
4,244
Reaction score
93

Homework Statement


Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic induction vector ##\textbf{B}## of an infinite plane carrying a current of linear density ##\textbf{i}##; the vector ##\textbf{i}## is same at all points of the plane.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I can do this with integration but I have seen the same question solved before. The solution was done using Ampere's circuital law. I seem to have forgotten the way it was solved. How can I do this using Ampere's circuital law. I don't even have the slightest idea about what shape should be the amperian loop.

If we divide the plane into thin infinite current carrying wire and consider wires at equal distances from the symmetrical axis, it can be deduced from symmetry that the direction of magnetic field is downwards towards the plane.

Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • plane.png
    plane.png
    4.2 KB · Views: 645
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The following may be something like what you had in mind, so forgive any redundant observations, but:

Could you not run a rectangular Amperian loop around a section of plane of length L and depth D, D << L. The depth dimension penetrates the sheet on both sides. So then the current thru this loop is i*L and ampere's law gives 2L*H = i*L. The H field is parallel to the sheet but perpendicular to i everywher which is what I think you also concluded, with H = i/2, i in amp/m. The H field points in opposite directions on opposite sides of the plane.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Sorry for the late reply.

rude man said:
The following may be something like what you had in mind, so forgive any redundant observations, but:

Could you not run a rectangular Amperian loop around a section of plane of length L and depth D, D << L. The depth dimension penetrates the sheet on both sides. So then the current thru this loop is i*L and ampere's law gives 2L*H = i*L. The H field is parallel to the sheet but perpendicular to i everywher which is what I think you also concluded, with H = i/2, i in amp/m. The H field points in opposite directions on opposite sides of the plane.

Thanks rude man, that worked! :smile:

I did not conclude that the direction of field is perpendicular to ##i## but instead I said that it is perpendicular to the plane of infinite sheet which is completely wrong. :redface:

Thank you!
 

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
3K