Proving Total Current through Insulating Wire Using Spherical Coordinates

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The discussion revolves around proving that the total current flowing through an insulating wire, described by the current density J(p) = (I/pi) p^2 e^-p^2, equals I. Participants note that integrating J.dS should yield the total current, but the original approach does not produce the expected result. There is confusion regarding the limits of integration and the role of the exponential factor in the equation. The importance of including the factor of ρ^2 in the current density is emphasized, as it affects the integral over the wire's cross-sectional area. The conversation also touches on the relevance of Stokes' Theorem to the problem, suggesting that additional context may be needed for a complete solution.
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i am trying to solve this problem which states that

J(p) = (I/pi) p^2 e^-p^2 in z direction
is the current density flowing in the vicinity of insulating wire.
pi = pie

in standard spherical polar coordinates.

J is the current density.

I need to prove that the total current flowing through the wire is I.

I have tried to used the idea J.dS = I where

and integrate(i have taken the scale factor into consideration) but it does not yield the right result. Any suggestion on a way to move forward will be appreciated.
 
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What are the limits of integration here? Still, I can't see how you can get a current of I because of your exponential, except if your relationship is incorrect.

J(\rho)=\frac{I}{\pi}e^{-\rho^2}

If we have a wire of infinite size then this one would work, but this is just playing around.
 
You missed a factor of \rho^2:

J(\rho)=\frac{I}{\pi} \rho^2 e^{-\rho^2}
 
jtbell said:
You missed a factor of \rho^2:

J(\rho)=\frac{I}{\pi} \rho^2 e^{-\rho^2}

That's his original equation yes, whose integral over the cross-sectional area of the wire I think will be

I(\rho)=-I_0e^{-\rho^2}(\rho^2+1)+I_0

Seeing as the OP has not given us the dimensions of the wire we can't go any further than that but I do not see how any normal choice of radius would allow the current to come out to be exactly I_0. I was just mentioning that if the \rho^2 dependence was dropped then, the integral would come out provided an infinite radius but as I stated I was not seriously suggesting that was an answer.

Another question is what does Stokes' Theorem have to do with the problem. I feel that there were some steps leading up to this point that the OP may have left out.
 
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