What is the electric field outside a solenoid in quasi-static approximation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field outside a long solenoid with radius 'a' and 'n' turns per unit length, carrying a time-dependent current I(t) in the φ direction, using the quasi-static approximation. The key equations utilized include the flux rule, ε = ∫ E · dl = -dΦ/dt, and the magnetic field B = μ₀ nI. The conclusion drawn is that while the magnetic field is zero outside the solenoid (s > a), the electric field is not zero due to the time-varying current, which induces an electric field in the surrounding space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically Maxwell's equations.
  • Familiarity with the quasi-static approximation in electromagnetism.
  • Knowledge of the flux rule and its application in calculating electric fields.
  • Basic concepts of solenoids and their magnetic fields.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the quasi-static approximation in electromagnetic fields.
  • Learn about the relationship between time-varying currents and induced electric fields.
  • Explore the derivation and implications of Maxwell's equations in dynamic situations.
  • Investigate the behavior of electric fields in the vicinity of solenoids with varying currents.
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Students and professionals in physics, electrical engineering, and anyone studying electromagnetic fields, particularly those interested in the behavior of electric fields around solenoids under time-varying conditions.

Reshma
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A long solenoid with radius 'a' and 'n' turns per unit length carries a time-dependent current I(t) in the \phi direction. Find the electric field (magnitude and direction) at a distance 's' from the axis (both inside and outside the solenoid), in quasi-static approximation.What's quasi-static approximation? Anyway, without much prior thought I applied the flux rule :rolleyes: :
\varepsilon = \int \vec E \cdot d\vec l = -{d\Phi \over dt}

\vec B = \mu_0 nI \hat z, \vec A = \pi a^2 \hat z
\Phi = \mu_0 nI \pi a^2

\int \vec E \cdot d\vec l =-{d ( \mu_0 nI \pi a^2)\over dt}

E2\pi a = -( \mu_0 n \pi a^2){dI\over dt}

Before I proceed to the final step, someone please check my work.
 
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Since you have a time varying current, the electromagnetic field created by the solenoid varies with time. The electromagnetic 'news' travels at the speed of light though.
In this case you are working with a time varying currents, but you are using the apparatus of magnetostatics, like Biot-Savart and Ampère's Law (e.g. Your equation for B came from magnetostatics). Your answers are only approximately correct, but the deviation is small if the current is 'static enough', i.e. it doesn't vary quickly. The approximation is called the quasi-static approximation.

You are looking at a distance 's' from the solenoid axis right? So \oint \vec E \cdot d\vec l=E2\pi s. Also, the flux through the surface bounding your Amperian loop is \mu_0 n \pi a^2 only outside the loop, where s\geq a.
 
Reshma said:
A long solenoid with radius 'a' and 'n' turns per unit length carries a time-dependent current I(t) in the \phi direction. Find the electric field (magnitude and direction) at a distance 's' from the axis (both inside and outside the solenoid), in quasi-static approximation.


What's quasi-static approximation? Anyway, without much prior thought I applied the flux rule :rolleyes: :
\varepsilon = \int \vec E \cdot d\vec l = -{d\Phi \over dt}

\vec B = \mu_0 nI \hat z, \vec A = \pi a^2 \hat z
\Phi = \mu_0 nI \pi a^2

\int \vec E \cdot d\vec l =-{d ( \mu_0 nI \pi a^2)\over dt}

E2\pi a = -( \mu_0 n \pi a^2){dI\over dt}

Before I proceed to the final step, someone please check my work.

By the quasi static appriximation we mean that B=mu_0 nI (s<a) and B= 0 (s>a)
then why E is not zero outside(s>a)?
 

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