Symmetry Arguments and the Infinite Wire with a Current

[Orodruin]

Many people reading this will be familiar with symmetry arguments related to the use of Gauss law. Finding the electric field around a spherically symmetric charge distribution or around an infinite wire carrying a charge per unit length are standard examples. This Insight explores similar arguments for the magnetic field around an infinite wire carrying a constant current $I$, which may not be as familiar. In particular, our focus is on the arguments that can be used to conclude that the magnetic field cannot have a component in the radial direction or in the direction of the wire itself.

Table of Contents
Transformation properties of...

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