Magnetic field due to magnetic dipole

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the angle θ in the context of magnetic dipoles and the dot product of unit vectors. Participants are examining the geometric definitions and implications of these concepts, particularly in relation to a specific solution provided in a linked resource.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the angle θ, questioning whether it is the angle between unit vector z and unit vector r or if it should be considered as 180 degrees minus that angle.
  • Another participant explains that the professor's definition aligns with the geometric definition of the dot product, asserting that for unit vectors, the dot product simplifies to cos(θ).
  • A participant seeks further clarification on whether θ is indeed the angle between the two unit vectors or if it involves a subtraction from 180 degrees.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of the angle θ, as participants are exploring different perspectives on its definition and implications.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the geometric definitions of angles and the dot product, which may not be universally agreed upon. The context of the integration limits and the nature of the loop versus disk are also mentioned but not fully resolved.

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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