Varying current inducing E-field: example 7.9 in Griffiths

In summary, the conversation discusses the justification for the E-field being parallel to the axis of a wire and the path integral being equal to -E(s)*l. This is due to Lenz's law and Maxwell's equations, which show that the E-field can only depend on one direction due to symmetry. The path integral is taken counter-clockwise, resulting in the integral being equal to -E(s)*l. Additionally, the conversation clarifies the reasoning behind each component of the path integral, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the concept.
  • #1
Nikitin
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Homework Statement


Look at the attached file.

1) Why does Griffith simply say that the E-field of the amperian loop is parallel to the axis of the wire?

2) And how come ##\int \vec{E} \cdot d \vec{l} = -E(s) l ## ? Shouldn't it at least be ## E(s) 2l## ? Why the minus sign and ##l## instead of ##2l## ?
 

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  • #2
Homework forum has a template. It's compulsory.
1) Lenz's law. Nature wants to counteract.
Or Maxwell: if B is perp to the paper (call that the z direction, x to the right along the axis) ##(\nabla \times \vec E)_z = {\partial E_y\over \partial x} - {\partial E_x\over \partial y} = -({\partial \vec B\over \partial t})_z##
Now Ey can't depend on x (symmetry), so E = Ex only.
2) dl points in a different direction for the two s. In your unsharp picture I think I distinguish a little arrow on the lower dashed line ?
 
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  • #3
I used the template as far as possible,, all I need to know is how griffiths justified that E-field stuff.

1) Fair enough.

2) Yes, you are right about the arrow. And sorry about the resolution (can you read everything?). dl points to the right there, so the path integral is taken counter-clockwise. But how does this make the E-field integral equal to - E(s)*l ?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
On the path integral ##\int_{path} \vec E dl = \int _{s_0}^s \vec E(s') ds' +\int _{l}^0 \vec E(s) dl'+\int _s^{s_0} \vec E(s') ds' +\int _{0}^l \vec E(s_0) dl'##
The pieces ##\int _{l}^0 \vec E(s) dl'+\int _{0}^l \vec E(s_0) dl'=\vec E(s_0)l-\vec E(s)l##,
The pieces ##\int _{s_0}^s \vec E(s') ds'+\int _s^{s_0} \vec E(s') ds'=0## since the field in invariant in x.
 
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  • #5
ahh, right. now I see my mistakes! thank you :)

And thanks to BvU too!
 

1. What is "Varying current inducing E-field: example 7.9 in Griffiths" about?

"Varying current inducing E-field: example 7.9 in Griffiths" refers to a specific example described in the textbook "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths. This example demonstrates how a changing electric current can induce an electric field in a nearby conductor, following Faraday's law of induction.

2. Why is this example important?

This example is important because it helps to illustrate a fundamental principle in electromagnetism: the relationship between electric currents and electric fields. It also provides a practical application of Faraday's law, which is used in many real-world technologies such as generators and transformers.

3. What is the significance of the varying current in this example?

The varying current is significant because it creates a changing magnetic field, which in turn induces an electric field in the nearby conductor. This relationship between changing magnetic fields and induced electric fields is a key concept in electromagnetism.

4. How does the induced electric field affect the conductor in this example?

The induced electric field causes charges within the conductor to move, creating a current in the opposite direction to the original current. This current, in turn, generates its own magnetic field that opposes the initial change in the original current. This process is known as Lenz's law and is responsible for the self-inductance of circuits.

5. Can this example be applied to other situations?

Yes, the principles demonstrated in this example can be applied to a variety of situations involving changing currents and induced electric fields. It is a fundamental concept in electromagnetism and is used in many technologies, such as motors, transformers, and electromagnetic waves.

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