# Homework Help: Poynting vector of current carrying wire

1. Dec 30, 2017

### Physgeek64

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A long straight wire of radius a and resistance per unit length R carries a constant current I. Find the Poynting vector N = E × H at the surface of the wire and give
a sketch showing the directions of the current, the electric field E, the magnetic field
H, and N. Integrate the Poynting vector over the surface of a length l of the wire and comment on your result

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
$\integral{H\dot dl}=I_{free}$
$H(2\pi r)=I$
$H|_a=\frac{I}{2\pi a} \hat{\theta}$

E outside the wire will be $E=-\frac{\lambda}{2\pi\epsilon r } \hat{r}$

I don't know if this is the same as the E field at the surface? Also I don't know how to get $\lambda$ in terms of I and R

then $S=E\cross H$

Many thanks

2. Dec 30, 2017

### kuruman

Does a wire piece of length $l$ carry a net charge or is it neutral?

3. Dec 30, 2017

### Physgeek64

It is neutral. However I know there needs to be a poynting vector so I don't know how this works

4. Dec 30, 2017

### kuruman

If it's neutral, there is no E-field outside the wire. How about inside the wire?

5. Dec 31, 2017

### Physgeek64

Inside the wire we have a non-neutral charge. Negative electrons flow in one direction, leaving positive ions behind. Hence we have an E-field in the direction of current? Not sure how to calculate its magnitude though

6. Dec 31, 2017

### kuruman

You know that the potential difference across the two ends of the wire is V. If the distance between the ends is $l$, what is E?

7. Dec 31, 2017

### Physgeek64

$\frac{V}{l}$

8. Dec 31, 2017