No Magnetic Fields: Divergence & Curl of B=0

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical implications of defining a magnetic field \( B \) as the curl of a vector potential \( A \) when \( B \) is set to zero. It is established that if \( A \) is defined as the gradient of a scalar potential \( \varphi \), then the curl of \( A \) is zero, which contradicts Ampere's law. The integral of the curl over a surface does not imply the integral of the field over a closed curve is zero, as the surface integral can be split into parts that cancel each other out. This misunderstanding highlights the importance of correctly applying the definitions of conservative fields and vector calculus in electromagnetism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, specifically curl and divergence
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, particularly Ampere's law
  • Knowledge of conservative fields and their properties
  • Basic concepts of scalar and vector potentials in physics
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  • Study the implications of Ampere's law in electromagnetic theory
  • Learn about the properties of conservative vector fields and their mathematical representations
  • Explore the relationship between curl, divergence, and potential functions in vector calculus
  • Investigate the applications of vector potentials in electromagnetic fields and their physical significance
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Physicists, electrical engineers, and students of electromagnetism who seek to deepen their understanding of vector calculus and its applications in magnetic field theory.

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\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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 

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