Prove that the torque of any current loop is m X B

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the torque on any steady current distribution in a uniform magnetic field is given by the equation ##\vec{N} = \vec{m} \times \vec{B}##, where ##\vec{m}## represents the magnetic moment. The proof utilizes the Lorentz force law ##\vec{F} = \int I (d\vec{l} \times \vec{B})## and the relationship between the infinitesimal vectors ##d\vec{r}## and ##d\vec{l}##. The key identity used is ##\oint \vec{r} \times d\vec{l} = 2\vec{a}##, where ##\vec{a}## is the area vector of the loop.

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Homework Statement


Problem 6.2 of Griffith's "Introduction to Electrodynamics": Starting from the Lorentz force law ##\vec F=\int I (d\vec l \times \vec B)##, show that the torque on any steady current distribution (not just a square loop) in a uniform field ##\vec B## is ##\vec m\times \vec B##. (##\vec m## is the magnetic moment.)

Homework Equations


Let the torque be ##\vec N##.

##d\vec N = \vec r\times d\vec F##.

The Attempt at a Solution


Useful identity: ##\oint \vec r\times d\vec l = 2\vec a##, where ##\vec a## is the area of the loop and points perpendicularly to its surface.

My question: the solution says that ##d\vec r = d\vec l##, which I don't understand. They are clearly pointing in different directions. ##d\vec r## points in the direction from the origin to the point ##r##, while ##d\vec l## points in the direction of the wire of the loop, which in general is different from the direction of ##d\vec r##.

The solution:
Screen Shot 2015-05-30 at 11.27.44 pm.png
 
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It is ##\vec{r}## that points from the origin to the point r =(x,y,z) of the loop and ##\vec{r'}=\hat{i}(x+dx)+\hat{j}(y+dy)+\hat{k}(z+dz)## that points from the origin to the point r'=(x+dx,y+dy,z+dz) of the loop. Their difference is the ifinitesimal vector ##d\vec{r}=\hat{i}dx+\hat{j}dy+\hat{k}dz## which is the same as dl.
 
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Delta² said:
It is ##\vec{r}## that points from the origin to the point r =(x,y,z) of the loop and ##\vec{r'}=\hat{i}(x+dx)+\hat{j}(y+dy)+\hat{k}(z+dz)## that points from the origin to the point r'=(x+dx,y+dy,z+dz) of the loop. Their difference is the ifinitesimal vector ##d\vec{r}=\hat{i}dx+\hat{j}dy+\hat{k}dz## which is the same as dl.

Thanks a lot! I've got it now.
 

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