Magnetic field due to magnetic dipole

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the angle θ in the context of magnetic dipoles and the geometric definition of the dot product. The professor clarifies that θ is indeed the angle between the unit vectors z (##\hat{z}##) and r (##\hat{r}##), leading to the equation ##\hat{z} \cdot \hat{r} = \cos(\theta)##. The integration limits from 0 to b pertain to the area of a loop, not a disk, which is crucial for understanding the magnetic field calculations. The participants emphasize the importance of correctly interpreting the geometric relationships in vector mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of magnetic dipoles and their properties
  • Familiarity with vector mathematics, specifically the dot product
  • Knowledge of unit vectors and their geometric interpretations
  • Basic principles of electromagnetism and mutual inductance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the geometric definition of the dot product in vector mathematics
  • Explore the concept of mutual inductance in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about magnetic fields generated by current loops and dipoles
  • Investigate the mathematical integration techniques used in physics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, vector calculus, and magnetic field theory. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking clarity on the geometric relationships between vectors in magnetic field calculations.

fricke
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It is NOT a homework question. I am doing my revision and get stuck at this question.

I am confused with the angle θ shown in this link:
http://www.physicspages.com/2013/10/06/mutual-inductance/

Professor who wrote this solution stated that θ is the angle between unit vector z and unit vector r, but as what i understand, the angle between two unit vectors (in this question) is cos(180-θ) = -cos(θ) but it is different with the solution shown in the link. (Help me, I am so confused!)

And also one more question. Why is the integration of area taken from 0 to b? If it is, aren't we taking a integration of disk, then? but in the question, it says it is a loop.

Can someone please explain it briefly?
 
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fricke said:
Professor who wrote this solution stated that θ is the angle between unit vector z and unit vector r, but as what i understand, the angle between two unit vectors (in this question) is cos(180-θ) = -cos(θ) but it is different with the solution shown in the link. (Help me, I am so confused!)
The professor is simply using the geometric definition of the dot product:
##\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = ||\vec{a}||\;||\vec{b}|| \; \cos(\theta)##
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_product#Geometric_definition

Since ##\hat{z}## and ##\hat{r}## are both unit vectors their magnitudes are both 1 and so ##\hat{z} \cdot \hat{r} = \cos(\theta)##.
 
DaleSpam said:
The professor is simply using the geometric definition of the dot product:
##\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = ||\vec{a}||\;||\vec{b}|| \; \cos(\theta)##
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot_product#Geometric_definition

Since ##\hat{z}## and ##\hat{r}## are both unit vectors their magnitudes are both 1 and so ##\hat{z} \cdot \hat{r} = \cos(\theta)##.

Thank you very much for your reply!
I still want to make sure one more thing here.
So, θ is the angle between these two unit vectors? or angle 180 degree subtract with the angle between unit vectors?
 
fricke said:
So, θ is the angle between these two unit vectors?
Yes.
 

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