Using Ampere's law to find B just outside finite solenoid

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Ampere's law to determine the longitudinal magnetic induction just outside a finite solenoid, specifically using the formula derived from Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd edition. The magnetic induction is expressed as B_z (ρ=a^+, z) ≈ (2μ₀NIa²/L²)(1 + (12z²/L²) - (9a²/L²) + ...). Participants clarify that while an infinite solenoid has zero magnetic induction outside, a finite solenoid exhibits fringing effects, necessitating a different approach to Ampere's law for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Ampere's law and its mathematical formulation
  • Familiarity with magnetic induction concepts in electromagnetism
  • Knowledge of finite versus infinite solenoid behavior
  • Proficiency in calculus for handling expansions and approximations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of magnetic fields in finite solenoids
  • Learn about the fringing effects in magnetic fields
  • Explore advanced applications of Ampere's law in different geometries
  • Review problem-solving techniques in Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to deepen their understanding of magnetic field behavior around finite solenoids.

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Homework Statement



We have a solenoid of radius a, length L, with ends at z = +/- L/2. The problem is to use Ampere's law to show that the longitudinal magnetic induction just outside the coil is approximately

B_z (\rho=a^+, z) \approx \left(\frac{2 \mu_0 N I a^2}{L^2} \right) \left(1+ \frac{12 z^2}{L^2}- \frac{9 a^2}{L^2} + \ldots \right)

(This is part b of problem 5.5 in Jackson 3rd edition).

Homework Equations



Ampere's law: \oint B \cdot dl = \mu_0 I

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure I'm thinking about this too simplistically, which is why I'm stuck. For an infinite solenoid, the magnetic induction outside is 0. Since we've got a finite solenoid, there are obviously fringing effects of some sort and I guess we can't expect the field to be 0 outside anymore (though it should be reasonably small compared to the field on axis in the center of the solenoid).

I can't figure out what to do differently with Ampere's law though. Does my amperian loop enclose the coils over the full length L of the solenoid or just a short bit? What I was initially thinking was that if my amperian loop encloses all of them, then

\oint B \cdot dl = BL = \mu_0 I N L \rightarrow B = \mu_0 N I \hat{z}

but this is the result you get with the infinite solenoid inside the solenoid, and is clearly not what I need to have since there's nothing to expand on... so I guess I'm not sure how to set this up. Can anyone help?
 
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end of page 6/beginning of page 7 is relevant.

http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~bsauerwi/Problems/2005EM1HW8.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hey guys, how do you know that for an infinite solenoid, the magnetic induction outside is 0?
 

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