Magnetic Potential & Magnetic Field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the magnetic field of an infinite cylinder with radius 'a' and a uniform current density 'j' flowing in the z-direction. The user successfully applied Ampere's Law but encountered difficulties when attempting to use magnetic potential to derive the magnetic field. Key insights include the importance of recognizing that the divergence of the magnetic vector potential 'A' is a scalar, which should not be equated with the vector current density 'j'. This misunderstanding highlights the necessity of correctly applying vector calculus in electromagnetic theory.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's Law in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with magnetic vector potential 'A'
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, particularly divergence and its applications
  • Basic principles of magnetic fields generated by current-carrying conductors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn about the derivation and implications of magnetic vector potential 'A'
  • Explore the mathematical treatment of divergence in vector fields
  • Investigate the physical significance of magnetic fields in different geometries
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physics enthusiasts, and anyone involved in solving problems related to magnetic fields and vector potentials in theoretical physics.

MMS
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Homework Statement
I'm given an infinite cylinder with radius a. There's a uniformal current density j flowing in the cylinder in the z direction.
I'm asked to find the magnetic field in the following ways
-Ampere's law
-Magnetic potential and then use it to calculate the magnetic field.

The attempt at a solution
Calculating the magnetic field by Ampere's law wasn't a problem.

I got stuck on the second part a little. The attempt is in the file below.
ecQwZ0C.png

nboCntv.png


Help ASAP will be very much appreciated since I have to hand this homework tomorrow.

Thank you!
 
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First of all, the divergence of A is a scalar and you are equating it with the current density, which is a vector. Already here you should start suspecting something is wrong. The divergence you quote is also only valid for a purely radial field, not a field in the phi direction.
MMS said:
Help ASAP will be very much appreciated since I have to hand this homework tomorrow.

This really does nothing but to make you appear impatient and only here to complete your homework rather than actually learning something. You will find that our members (who are here to help on a pro bono basis) are usually reluctant to provide help in these cases.
 
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Orodruin said:
First of all, the divergence of A is a scalar and you are equating it with the current density, which is a vector. Already here you should start suspecting something is wrong. The divergence you quote is also only valid for a purely radial field, not a field in the phi direction.

This really does nothing but to make you appear impatient and only here to complete your homework rather than actually learning something. You will find that our members (who are here to help on a pro bono basis) are usually reluctant to provide help in these cases.

Apologies. I was pretty frustrated with this question back then as I spent a couple of good hours trying to get to something.
I finally derived some things and I believe I solved it taking your notes into consideration. :)
 

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