No Magnetic Fields: Divergence & Curl of B=0

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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.
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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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