No Magnetic Fields: Divergence & Curl of B=0

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the mathematical implications of defining a magnetic field B as the curl of a vector potential A, specifically when A is expressed as the gradient of a scalar function. It highlights that this leads to B being zero, which contradicts physical laws such as Ampere's law. The error arises from misapplying the integral properties of vector fields, confusing surface integrals with line integrals around closed curves. It emphasizes that the assumption of A being a gradient is unjustified in this context, as it results in a conservative field where the integral over any closed loop is zero. The conclusion reinforces the necessity of correctly applying vector calculus principles to avoid erroneous implications in electromagnetic theory.
jackxx
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
\nabla \cdot B=0,
so \int\nabla \cdot B dv=0,
then \int B \cdot \widehat{n}da=0,
let B=\nabla \times A,
then \int\nabla \times A \cdot \widehat{n}da=0,
thus A=\nabla\varphi[/itex], thus B=\nabla \times A=\nabla \times\nabla\varphi=0<br /> <br /> I know something is wrong with that but I am not sure what it is any ideas?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
The problem per se arises when you define A as a gradient of some scalar. This would be incompatible with Ampere's law mainly because the curl of a gradient is always zero. So in this case you are specifically setting B = 0 from the start essentially.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
A field is conservative if it's integral over any closed curve is zero. This condition is satisfied if the integral of field's rotor over area limited by the curve is zero. In your case you choose whole surface (of a volume) for the area: the surface is not an area limited by a curve, so you can't use the fact that integral of rotor over the surface implies that integral of field over a curve is zero. In fact the integral of rotor over a surface of a volume always give zero (for any vector field), because you can split the surface on two parts with a curve and the integrals of rotor over two parts of surface give +/- integral of field over curve, so they cancel each other out.
So the assumption that A=grad(fi) in not justified.
 
Last edited:
You just confused an integral over a closed surface with the integral around a closed loop defining a conservative field.
We are lucky you are wrong. Otherwise all electric motors would instantly stop.
 
Thread 'Inducing EMF Through a Coil: Understanding Flux'
Thank you for reading my post. I can understand why a change in magnetic flux through a conducting surface would induce an emf, but how does this work when inducing an emf through a coil? How does the flux through the empty space between the wires have an effect on the electrons in the wire itself? In the image below is a coil with a magnetic field going through the space between the wires but not necessarily through the wires themselves. Thank you.
Thread 'Griffith, Electrodynamics, 4th Edition, Example 4.8. (Second part)'
I am reading the Griffith, Electrodynamics book, 4th edition, Example 4.8. I want to understand some issues more correctly. It's a little bit difficult to understand now. > Example 4.8. Suppose the entire region below the plane ##z=0## in Fig. 4.28 is filled with uniform linear dielectric material of susceptibility ##\chi_e##. Calculate the force on a point charge ##q## situated a distance ##d## above the origin. In the page 196, in the first paragraph, the author argues as follows ...

Similar threads

Back
Top