Understanding the Chain Rule in Vector Potential Derivations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the magnetic field from a given vector potential in the context of electromagnetism. The original poster presents a specific form of the vector potential and expresses confusion regarding the application of the chain rule in the derivation process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the variable d and the integral involving I(t'). There is an emphasis on differentiating the integral with respect to z, and some participants suggest using the chain rule and the fundamental theorem of calculus to approach the problem.

Discussion Status

Several participants are actively engaging with the original poster's confusion, offering hints and clarifications about the differentiation process. There is a focus on breaking down the steps involved in applying the chain rule, though no consensus or final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the original poster's inexperience with LaTeX, which may affect the clarity of the equations presented. Additionally, some participants express concern about the perceived simplicity of the steps involved in the derivation, indicating a potential gap in the original poster's understanding of the material.

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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