Understanding the Chain Rule in Vector Potential Derivations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the magnetic field \(\vec{B}\) from a given vector potential \(A\) using the chain rule and the fundamental theorem of calculus (FTOC). The vector potential is defined as \(A = B \int_0^d I(t') dt'\), where \(d = t - z/c\) and \(B = \frac{1}{2} \mu_0 c\). The resulting magnetic field is expressed as \(\vec{B} = CI(t - (z/c)) \vec{j}\), where \(C = \pm \frac{1}{2} \mu_0\). The key step involves differentiating the integral with respect to \(z\) and recognizing the relationship between \(I(t')\) and the derivative of the integral function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector potentials in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with the fundamental theorem of calculus (FTOC)
  • Knowledge of partial differentiation
  • Basic concepts of magnetic fields and their derivation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in vector calculus
  • Learn about the fundamental theorem of calculus and its implications in physics
  • Explore the relationship between current density \(J(t')\) and magnetic fields
  • Investigate the role of permeability constant \(\mu_0\) in electromagnetism
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to vector potentials and magnetic field derivations.

bman!!
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we are given some component of a vector potential A

<br /> <br /> A = B\displaystyle\int^d_0 I(t&#039;)\,dt&#039; <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

where d = t -z/c
and B = constant=1/2 mu0 (permeability constant) x c (speed of light)


the derivation then wants me to calculate the magnetic field from this vector potential which is

<br /> \vec B = \nabla \times A = \frac{d\(A}{dz} \vec j<br /> <br />

where d/dz is meant to be partial diff

the result that is arrived at is

\vec B = CI(t-(z/c))\vec j

where

C= +/- 1/2 x(permeability constant)


the step eludes me. i was fine until this point. i tried hitting it with the chain rule, and i suspect that the solution involves this somehow.

p.s. I'm new to latex, so if you think some information is missing, or the equations are simply not showing, It'd be great if someone could tell me, cheers.
 
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Please clarify. You say that d= t- z/c but you haven't told us what that has to do with I(t').
 
… funny ? … it's the way you tell it … !

bman! said:
A = B\displaystyle\int^d_0 I(t&#039;)\,dt&#039;

Hi bman! :smile:

You want ∂/∂z of \displaystyle\int^s_0 I(t&#039;)\,dt&#039; , where s depends on z.

(I'm using s instead of d, because d is ridiculous when you have derivatives. :frown:)

This is simply I(s) times (∂s/∂z).

Hint: Put I(t') = (d/dt')(J(t')). :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi bman! :smile:

You want ∂/∂z of \displaystyle\int^s_0 I(t&#039;)\,dt&#039; , where s depends on z.

(I'm using s instead of d, because d is ridiculous when you have derivatives. :frown:)

This is simply I(s) times (∂s/∂z).

Hint: Put I(t') = (d/dt')(J(t')). :smile:

I'm assuming J(t') is the higher inegral function (from fundamental theorem of calculus:

\int_a^x f(t)dt= F(x) - F(a)

where \frac{d}{dx}F(x) = f(x)

i'm sorry for being really dense, but i always draw a blank with this type stuff.

so you eventually end up with ∂J/∂z = ∂s/∂z times ∂J(s)/∂z but ∂J(s)/∂s is just f(s), which is just I(t-z/c) from FTOC?

?

it seems so simple, but things like this just would never come to me in an exam.
 
… one step at a time … !

bman! said:
… so you eventually end up with ∂J/∂z = ∂s/∂z times ∂J(s)/∂z but ∂J(s)/∂s is just f(s), which is just I(t-z/c) from FTOC?

it seems so simple, but things like this just would never come to me in an exam.

Hi bman! :smile:

Yeah … jus' the good ol' FTOC!

In an exam, remember that the examiners intend each question to be reasonably easy (unless there's only one question on the paper).

So just assume it's easy, and do it one step at a time!

In this case, you'd see the s (or d), and think "I obviously need to differentiate this … but how?", and then ask yourself what the s is there for. :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi bman! :smile:

Yeah … jus' the good ol' FTOC!

In an exam, remember that the examiners intend each question to be reasonably easy (unless there's only one question on the paper).

So just assume it's easy, and do it one step at a time!

In this case, you'd see the s (or d), and think "I obviously need to differentiate this … but how?", and then ask yourself what the s is there for. :smile:

cheers mate, I am just working through some electromagnetism, and stuff like this crops ups every half a page, where its simple to show, but still somewhat tricky, and the guy who wrote my notes, as clearly considered it trivial so he just doesn't bother showing the steps involved.

Im sure i'll have more questions soon enough ;)
 

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