# Magnetic field from vector potential function using tensor notation

## Homework Statement

We will see (in Chap. 5) that the magnetic field can be derived from a vector potential function as
follows:
B = ∇×A
Show that, in the special case of a uniform magnetic field B$_{0}$ , one possible
vector potential function is A = $\frac{1}{2}$B$_{0}$×r

MUST USE TENSOR NOTATIONm also B0 is constant (uniform magnetic field)

## Homework Equations

ε$_{ijk}$ε$_{klm}$ = δ$_{il}$δ$_{jm}$ - δ$_{im}$δ$_{jl}$

## The Attempt at a Solution

I have tried a bunch of different things but I am missing something near the end.
Here is what I have

B = (∇×A)$_{i}$
B = ε$_{ijk}$∂$_{j}$A$_{k}$
B = ε$_{ijk}$∂$_{j}$ ($\frac{1}{2}$ε$_{klm}$B$_{0l}$r$_{m}$)
B = $\frac{1}{2}$ε$_{ijk}$ε$_{klm}$∂$_{j}$B$_{0l}$r$_{m}$)

where ε$_{ijk}$ε$_{klm}$ = δ$_{il}$δ$_{jm}$ - δ$_{im}$δ$_{jl}$

So B = $\frac{1}{2}$[δ$_{il}$δ$_{jm}$ - δ$_{im}$δ$_{jl}$]∂$_{j}$B$_{0l}$r$_{m}$

Changing indicies gives (noting that the derivative of constant = 0 and using the product rule)

B = $\frac{1}{2}$[B$_{0i}$∂$_{m}$r$_{m}$ - B$_{0l}$∂$_{l}$r$_{i}$]

And that's where I am stuck. What comes next? I am assuming that with the last term there, l and i have to be equal (because if they aren't then it equals 0) and I think I have to introduct the krockner delta somewhere but I am unsure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Last edited:

## Answers and Replies

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TSny
Homework Helper
Gold Member
In the expression $\partial_m r_m$ you are summing over $m$. Consider one term of that sum, say $\partial_2 r_2$. Can you see what that is equal to?

You are right that you can express $\partial_l r_i$ in terms of a Kronecker delta.

Would ∂$_{m}$r$_{m}$ just be equal to the divergence of r i.e. ∇°r?

and for expressing it as a krockner delta is it just ∂$_{l}$r$_{i}$ = δ$_{li}$∂r?

TSny
Homework Helper
Gold Member
Would ∂$_{m}$r$_{m}$ just be equal to the divergence of r i.e. ∇°r?
Yes. You should be able to reduce ∂$_{m}$r$_{m}$ to a number.

and for expressing it as a krockner delta is it just ∂$_{l}$r$_{i}$ = δ$_{li}$∂r?
Not quite. It's simpler than you wrote.

For the first thing, its just 1 right? And that's because the derivative of r with respect to r is just 1?

For the second... l has to equal i is what I am going to go with so does that mean that that portion is equal to 0? Or is that incorrect?

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
For the first thing, its just 1 right? And that's because the derivative of r with respect to r is just 1?
no, you can't differentiate wrt a vector

(and if you mean |r|, that isn't in your equation)

instead of ∂/∂r, try ∂/∂x or ∂/∂y or ∂/∂z

TSny
Homework Helper
Gold Member
What does the symbol $\partial_m$ stand for? It is a derivative with respect to something. What is the "something"?

oh... Okay then let me try again:

since r is x i + y j + z k when we take the divergence we get 3?

TSny
Homework Helper
Gold Member
since r is x i + y j + z k when we take the divergence we get 3?
Yes. Good.

1 person
Okay awesome (rather silly of me though)! Now for the second portion I am still lost. I am going to take a guess that it just equals 1 but I can't justify it to myself. Is that correct? and if it is why is it correct?

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
if you get confused, remember you can always write ∂mrn as ∂xn/∂xm

which equals … ?

well it would equal 1 only if the indices are equal so then is it equal to 3 also? (because of the y and z components)?

edit: looking only at the x component the indicies are summed to 3 so for the x component is it equal to 3?

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
well it would equal 1 only if the indices are equal …
hold it there!

so (for fixed m and n) ∂xn/∂xm = … ?

Right we don't have a repeated index

that would then = 0 because you are looking at different components correct?

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
∂xn/∂xm = δmn

1 person
hm. I can see how that works now but do you think you can explain that a little further if possible?

Also that means then I have this left with the appropriate substituitons:
$\frac{1}{2}$[3B$_{0i}$ - B$_{0l}$δ$_{li}$]

so then δ$_{li}$] = 1 only if l = i or 0 if l ≠ i

changing indicies

$\frac{1}{2}$[3B$_{0i}$ - B$_{0i}$δ(1)]

so then B = B$_{0}$

and that's it correct?

Thank you by the way guys for your help. I am very glad you didn't just give me the answers and helped me along even if it was a little silly in hindsight!

tiny-tim
Homework Helper
… B$_{0l}$δ$_{li}$

changing indicies

…B$_{0i}$δ(1)]
once you've used the δ to change the indices, the δ disappears

B$_{0l}$δ$_{li}$ = B0i

(oh, and i forgot to mention: your "B =" on the LHS of all your equations should have been "Bi = " )

Oh that was a mistake I knew that but thank you. You have been a wonderful help!