# Magnetostatics: Magnetic Vector Potential

1. May 3, 2010

### KEØM

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Give an expression for the magnetic field and show that a magnetic vector exists such as $$\vec{A}(P) = A(r)\hat{z}$$ and $$\vec{B}(P) = \vec{\nabla} \times \vec{A}$$
For the infinite wire shown in figure 1.

Here is a link to the figure and problem statement. The problem is the second problem on the first page.

2. Relevant equations

$$\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{A} = \left(\frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial A_{z}}{\partial \theta} - \frac{\partial A_{\theta}}{\partial z}\right)\hat{r} + \left(\frac{\partial A_{r}}{\partial z} - \frac{\partial A_{z}}{\partial r}\right)\hat{\theta} + \frac{1}{r}\left(\frac{\partial(rA_{\theta})}{\partial r} - \frac{\partial A_{r}}{\partial \theta}\right)\hat{z}$$ curl in polar coordinates

$$\oint \vec{B} \cdot d\vec{l} = \mu_{0}I_{enc}$$ Ampere's Law

3. The attempt at a solution

First we must solve for the magnetic field at point P. Using Ampere's Law we get,

$$\vec{B}(P) = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}\hat{\theta}$$ where the positive theta direction is into the page.

Now in order to find A we can set the curl equations equal to the magnetic field equation by curl(A) = B.

Doing so gives,

$$\frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial A_{z}}{\partial \theta} - \frac{\partial A_{\theta}}{\partial z} = 0$$

$$\frac{\partial A_{r}}{\partial z} - \frac{\partial A_{z}}{\partial r} = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}$$

$$\frac{\partial(rA_{\theta})}{\partial r} - \frac{\partial A_{r}}{\partial \theta} = 0$$

The answer to this problem (given to us by our instructor) is,

$$\vec{A} = \left(-\frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi}ln(r) + K \right)\hat{z}$$

and the only way I can get there is by saying that because A points most often in the direction of the current (which is the z direction in this case) then,

$$-\frac{dA_{z}}{dr} = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}.$$

Then solving this differential equation gives the desired result.

Can someone please point me in the right direction as to how solve this problem in a more rigorous manner?

Do I need to use the equation $$\vec{A} = \frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\int \frac{\vec{J}(\vec{r'})}{r}d\tau '$$?

KEØM

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 25, 2017
2. May 3, 2010

### nickjer

$$A_r = 0$$

and

$$A_{\theta} = 0$$

and

$$A_z = A(r)$$

since it was given to you in the problem. This simplifies your 3 diff eq's quite a bit.

3. May 4, 2010

### KEØM

Thanks for your reply nickjer. So because A is a function of only r then all other derivatives go away and because it is only in the z direction then all other components are equal to zero. This then allows me to let $$-\frac{dA_{z}}{dr} = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}.$$ Is there anything else I must say for that condition to be satisfied?

Thanks again,
KEØM

4. May 4, 2010

### kreil

nope that does it:

$$\vec{B}(P) = \vec{\nabla} \times \vec{A}$$

$$\vec{B}(P) = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}\hat{\theta}$$

$$\vec{\nabla} \times \vec{A}=-\frac{dA_{z}}{dr}$$

thus $$-\frac{dA_{z}}{dr}=\frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi r}\hat{\theta}$$

5. May 4, 2010

### KEØM

Thanks! I really appreciate the help kreil and nickjer.

KEØM

6. May 4, 2010

### KEØM

I now have a question concerning the third problem on that page attached.

Problem Statement:

We consider now two wires of axis (O,z) and separated by the distance (2a). The currents in the two wires are $$+I$$ and $$-I$$ (see figure). Show that the expression of the magnetic potential vector $$\vec{A}(P)$$ is given by

$$\vec{A}(P) = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi}ln\left(\frac{r_{1}}{r_{2}}\right)\hat{z}$$

(the observation point is located at $$P(r, \theta, z=0)$$). Note: The constant of integration is integration obtained by taking $$\vec{A}(O) = 0$$.

Relevant Equations:

Same as previous problem.

Attempt at a solution:

For this problem can I say the same as before? He did say that our answer should be of the form $$\vec{A}(P) = A(r)\hat{z}.$$

Last edited: May 4, 2010
7. May 4, 2010

### nickjer

You solved for the vector potential from a single wire. So for two wires you will just add the vector potentials from each. But be careful with the direction of each of the vectors.

8. May 4, 2010

### KEØM

I know from just looking at the answer that the -I current must be in the positive z-direction and the +I current must be in the negative z-direction but I don't know why.

9. May 4, 2010

### nickjer

In the first problem you solved $\vec{A}$ for a current going in the +z direction. So use that to solve this next problem.

10. May 4, 2010

### KEØM

I think I got it. So because +I flows in the positive direction it must be negative and the opposite must be true for the wire with -I.

One more question:

For problem 4 on that document it says,

Problem Statement
The wires are now very close to each other. Determine $$\vec{A}(r,\theta)$$ such as r >> a and by keeping the first and second order terms in (a/r).

Relevant Equations
Remember that $$(1 + \epsilon)^{n} = 1 + n\epsilon$$

and $$ln(1 + \epsilon) = \epsilon, \epsilon << 1$$

Attempt at a solution

Now I know he wants us to approximate the answer by expanding$$\vec{A}(P) = \frac{\mu_{0}I}{2\pi}ln\left(\frac{r_{1}}{r_{2}}\right)$$

with a Taylor Expansion in $$\epsilon = \frac{a}{r} << 1$$ but I don't see how to do this when the distance between the wires $$2a$$ never comes up in any of our answers.

I really appreciate all the help nickjer.

11. May 4, 2010

### nickjer

Now you will need to write out $r_1$ and $r_2$ in terms of r and a. I suggest using the law of cosines.

12. May 8, 2010

### KEØM

OK. Thanks again for all of your help nickjer.