Magnetic field of vector potential

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the curl of a vector potential in the context of magnetic fields. Participants are examining the differentiation process and the resulting expressions, particularly focusing on the terms involving the variables x, y, and z.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the curl of a vector potential and expresses confusion over a discrepancy in their results compared to expected outcomes. Some participants question whether the original poster's result might be equivalent to the expected result, while others suggest expanding the variable r in terms of x, y, and z to clarify the relationship between the expressions.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with participants providing insights and suggestions for re-evaluating the original poster's calculations. There is an acknowledgment of a potential misunderstanding, and the original poster indicates they have resolved their confusion, although the details of that resolution are not fully elaborated.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may involve specific rules regarding the presentation of solutions and the exploration of mathematical expressions without providing direct answers.

TheBigDig
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Homework Statement
Using the vector potential A, show that the Cartesian representation of the magnetic induction field associated with a magnetic moment oriented along the Cartesian z-axis is B
Relevant Equations
[tex]\vec{B} = \nabla \times \vec{A}[/tex]
[tex]\vec{A} = \frac{\mu}{4\pi}\frac{m_z}{r^3} (-y,x,0)[/tex]
[tex]\vec{B} = \frac{\mu}{4\pi}\frac{m_z}{r^5} (3xz, 3yz, 3z^2-r^2)[/tex]
[tex]\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \frac{1}{r^3} = -\frac{3x}{r^5}[/tex]
So I was able to do out the curl in the i and j direction and got 3xz/r5 and 3yz/r5 as expected. However, when I do out the last curl, I do not get 3z2-3r2. I get the following
\frac{\partial}{\partial x} \frac{x}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{-2x^2+y^2+z^2}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{5}{2}}
\frac{\partial}{\partial y} \frac{-y}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{3}{2}} = \frac{-2y^2+x^2+z^2}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{5}{2}}
which when added together gives me
\frac{-x^2-y^2+2z^2}{(x^2+y^2+z^2)^\frac{5}{2}}.

I can't see where I've gone wrong with this differentiation. I've tried it out on symbolab and get the same result.
 
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Could it be that your answer is equivalent to what you are trying to get?
 
Expand ##r^2## in terms of x y and z ...
 
Good God, I'm a moron. Thanks to you both. I got it out there

EDIT: For those interested:
r^2=x^2+y^2+z^2
-x^2-y^2 = z^2 -r^2
and then sub back in
 
Last edited:

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