Magnetic field from a conductor using Law of Biot-Savart

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on applying the Law of Biot-Savart to determine the magnetic field generated by a straight conductor carrying an electric current. The user expresses difficulty in integrating the expression for magnetic field due to confusion over the variables and the coordinate system used. They correctly identify the need to convert the differential length element from dl to dy for integration. Clarification is sought regarding the origin of the coordinate system and the relationship between dl and dy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately setting up the integral for successful calculation of the magnetic field.
Jon.G
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Homework Statement


An electric current I flows in a straight conductor of length L. Use the law of
Biot-Savart to find the magnetic field at a point lying on an axis going through the
centre of the conductor and perpendicular to the conductor.

Homework Equations


Law of Biot-Savart: B=\frac{\mu _{0}}{4\pi }\int \frac{Idl \times \widehat{r}}{r^{2}}


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok so this will be quite hard to explain my attempt so far without my diagram but here goes:
r=\sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}} where y is the height up the conductor (the 'position' of dl), x is the distance from the conductor along the x-axis

Let L go from -a to +a,
then B=\frac{I \mu _{0}}{4\pi }\int^{+a}_{-a} \frac{dl \times \widehat{r}}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{3/2}}
which is the same as
B=\frac{I \mu _{0}}{4\pi }\int^{2a}_{0} \frac{dl \times \widehat{r}}{(x^{2} + y^{2})^{3/2}}

Then it's the whole dl x r bit that gets me. I'm sure I have to change this into dy, and then Iknow how to integrate that.

but I can't figure out how to bring dy into the equation :(
 
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Where is the origin of your ##\left( x,y,z \right)## coordinates?
 
Last edited:
Isn't dl = jdy?
 
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