Magnetic fields across lines and surfaces

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of magnetic fields in relation to closed surfaces and closed paths, specifically examining the implications of magnetic flux and line integrals. Participants explore the differences between surface integrals over closed surfaces and line integrals around closed paths, questioning the assumptions about magnetic field lines and their behavior in these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the integral of the magnetic field over a closed surface is zero due to the divergence of the magnetic field being zero, implying that magnetic field lines entering and leaving a closed surface must balance.
  • Another participant clarifies that the integral around a closed path does not necessarily yield zero, as a path does not enclose a volume, and provides a specific example where the line integral is non-zero.
  • Several participants question the concept of the 'perimeter' of a path, seeking clarification on the terminology and its implications for the discussion about magnetic field lines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the behavior of magnetic field lines around closed paths mirrors that of closed surfaces. There is no consensus on the implications of the line integral in relation to magnetic flux.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the distinction between closed surfaces and closed paths, indicating that assumptions about magnetic field lines may not hold uniformly across different geometrical constructs.

IniquiTrance
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I know that \int_{S}^{}\int_{}^{}\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{A} = 0 because \textbf {div} \vec{B}=0

IE, because \Phi_{B} leaving a closed surface must equal \Phi_{B} entering.

Yet how is it then that \int_{C}^{}\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{l} isn't also equal to zero?

Shouldn't it be true for any closed path that the amount of magnetic field lines leaving the perimeter of the path be equal to the amount entering, so that there be no net amount of field lines across it?

If it is true for a closed surface, shouldn't it be true for a closed path?

Thanks!
 
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I think that the first thing you have there is for a closed surface, ie, a volume enclosed by a surface. The magnetic flux is zero for a surface enclosing a volume because magnetic field lines exit and enter in equal numbers, because there are no magnetic monopoles.

The second thing is a line integral around a curved path. A path can never enclose a volume. It's not true that the magnetic field lines passing through *any* surface must cancel out. In fact, I can give you an example of the second that isn't zero...

Let B = M(-sin theta, cos theta) / r^2 and let C : x=cos theta, y=sin theta, 0<t<2PI. Then C': x=-sin theta, y=cos theta, and the integral becomes the integral from 0 to 2 of M(sin^2 theta + cos^2 theta) = M which turns out to be (2PI)M.

I think...
 
IniquiTrance said:
Shouldn't it be true for any closed path that the amount of magnetic field lines leaving the perimeter of the path be equal to the amount entering, so that there be no net amount of field lines across it?

What is the 'perimeter' of a path?
 
IniquiTrance said:
Shouldn't it be true for any closed path that the amount of magnetic field lines leaving the perimeter of the path be equal to the amount entering, so that there be no net amount of field lines across it?

Think what you're asking. What is the perimeter of a path?
 

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