Proving Total Current through Insulating Wire Using Spherical Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that the total current flowing through an insulating wire, described by a current density function in spherical coordinates, equals a specified current I. The current density is given as J(p) = (I/pi) p^2 e^-p^2, where J represents the current density in the z direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the limits of integration and the implications of the exponential term in the current density function. There are attempts to clarify the correct form of the current density and its integration over the wire's cross-sectional area.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and questioning the assumptions made by the original poster. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration process, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or interpretation of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of information regarding the dimensions of the wire, which may affect the ability to proceed with the problem. Additionally, the relevance of Stokes' Theorem to the problem has been questioned, indicating potential missing steps in the original poster's reasoning.

iontail
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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.

[tex]J(\rho)=\frac{I}{\pi}e^{-\rho^2}[/tex]

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

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

[tex]J(\rho)=\frac{I}{\pi} \rho^2 e^{-\rho^2}[/tex]

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

[tex]I(\rho)=-I_0e^{-\rho^2}(\rho^2+1)+I_0[/tex]

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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