Magnetic field of a uniformly magnetized sphere.

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SUMMARY

The magnetic field of a uniformly magnetized sphere can be derived using Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics, 4th edition. The relevant equations include the bound current density, given by \(\vec{J}_b = \nabla \times \vec{M}\), which equals zero for a uniform magnetization. The surface current density \(\vec{K}_b\) is expressed as \(\vec{M} \times \hat{n}\), leading to the conclusion that the magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) is \(\frac{2}{3}\mu_0 \vec{M}\). This relationship is established through an analogy with a rotating charged shell, specifically referenced in Example 5.11 of the 3rd edition of Griffith's text.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically curl and surface integrals.
  • Familiarity with Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics, particularly chapters on magnetization.
  • Knowledge of magnetic fields and their relationship to current densities.
  • Concept of surface charge density and its relation to surface current density.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Griffith's Example 5.11 on the rotating spherical shell of charge.
  • Learn about the derivation of magnetic fields from bound currents in magnetized materials.
  • Explore the application of Ampere's Law in magnetostatics.
  • Investigate the physical significance of the magnetization vector \(\vec{M}\) in different geometries.
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physicists working with magnetic materials, and educators teaching concepts of magnetization and magnetic fields.

rmiller70015
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Homework Statement


Find the magnetic field of a uniformly magnetized sphere.
(This is an example in my book, I have underlined what I am having trouble understanding down below.)

Homework Equations


$$\vec{J}_b = \nabla \times \vec{M}$$
$$\vec{K}_b = \vec{M}\times \hat{n}$$
$$\vec{A}(\vec{r}) = \frac{\mu _0}{4\pi}\int_v \frac{\vec{J_b(\textbf{r'})}}{\eta}d\tau + \frac{\mu _0}{4\pi}\oint_S \frac{\vec{K_b (\textbf{r'})}}{\eta}da'$$
##\eta## is the script r vector that Griffith's uses in his books because I couldn't figure out how to do it in mathjax.

The Attempt at a Solution


This is Example 6.1 from Griffith's Introduction to Electrodynamics 4th edition. He says that the ##\vec{M}## vector should be aligned with the z-axis and then ##\vec{J_b} = \nabla \times \vec{M} = 0## and ## \vec{K_b} = \vec{M} \times \hat{n} = Msin\theta \hat{\phi}##

This tells us that the rotating volume is equivalent to a shell with a uniform surface charge density of ##\sigma##, when this shell rotates with angular velocity, ##\omega##, it can be thought of as a surface current density of:
$$\vec{K} = \sigma \vec{v} = \sigma \omega Rsin\theta$$

This is where I get lost, the book says that "with the identification that ##\underline{\sigma R\omega \rightarrow M}##. Conclude that:"
$$\vec{B} = \frac{2}{3}\mu _0 \vec{M}$$

I have no idea where the author is getting this from, I think he is using Ampere's law, but I can't seem to find out where the relationship between B and M is that allows the author to get here.
 
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I don't have the book, but it looks like Griffiths is drawing an analogy between the magnetized sphere and a charged rotating conducting shell. Kb in the case of the magnetized sphere is compared to the current generated by the rotation of the shell. If there is an example of the rotating shell in the book, be sure to study it.
 
I second kuruman's post. The example of the rotating spherical shell of charge was worked out in chapter 5. (Example 5.11 in the 3rd edition).
 

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