What is the magnetic dipole moment of the sphere?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the magnetic dipole moment of a uniformly charged solid sphere that is spinning about the z-axis. The sphere has a total charge Q and radius R, and the discussion revolves around the application of relevant equations and the interpretation of the physical setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of current density and the total magnetic moment, with some attempting to derive expressions based on angular momentum and volume current density. Questions arise regarding dimensional correctness and the integration process.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the calculation methods, with some suggesting corrections to the integrals used. There is an ongoing exploration of different approaches to arrive at the magnetic dipole moment, with no clear consensus on the correct answer yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential mistakes in the integration steps and question the assumptions made regarding the contributions of different components in the calculations. There is also mention of imposed homework rules that may limit the scope of the discussion.

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Homework Statement


A uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R carries a total charge Q, and is set spinning with angular velocity \omega about the z axis. (a) What is the magnetic dipole moment of the sphere?


Homework Equations


\vec{m} = I \int d\vec{a}

The Attempt at a Solution


having a lot of difficulty with this stuff

since we are talking about a solid sphere ... first find volume current density J = \rho v
\rho = \frac{Q}{\frac{4}{3} \pi R^3}
v = \omega \times r = \omega r sin\theta

so J = \frac{Q}{\frac{4}{3} \pi R^3} \omega r sin\theta
is this ok so far??

alright now to find the total current I = \int J \cdot da

I = \int \frac{Q}{\frac{4}{3} \pi R^3} \omega R^3 \sin^2\theta d\theta d\phi

this doesn't seem dimensionally correct since the radians do not cancel out ...

where have i gone wrong? Is it the part of the angular momentum??

thansk for your help
 
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Hello,

There are different current for different point on the spining solid sphere.
The magnitude of current density J you have is correct.
But the total magnetic moment should be
\vec{m}=\int d\vec{m}
,where d\vec{m} is a thin ring with radius r\sin\theta rotating along z-axis.
The cross section area of the thin ring is dr\cdot rd\theta.
The effective current due to the thin ring is J(dr\cdot rd\theta).
Therefore, d\vec{m}=\hat{z}J(dr\cdot rd\theta)\pi(r\sin\theta)^2.
You can substitute the magnetic moment element into the first integral above and find the aim.


Good luck
 
Use (in Gaussian units)
{\vec m}=\frac{1}{2c}\int{\vec r}\times{\vec j}d^3r
 
ok so since \vec{m} = \frac{1}{2} \int \vec{r} \times \vec{J} d\tau
in SI units
J = \rho v = \rho (\omega \times r)

m = \frac{1}{2} \int r \times \rho (\omega \times r) d\tau
using the appropriate product rule

m = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega(r\cdot r) - r(\omega \cdot r)\right) d\tau = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega r^2 - r^2\omega\cos\theta)\right) d\tau

the second term in the integrand is zero since \int_{0}^{\pi} \cos\theta\sin\theta d\theta =0

so we have
m =\frac{\rho}{2} \int \omega r^2 d\tau = \frac{\rho\omega}{2} \int_{0}^{R} r^4 dr (4\pi) = \frac{4\pi\rho\omega}{2} \frac{R^5}{5}
but \rho = \frac{Q}{\frac{4}{3} \pi R^3}

so m = \frac{2\pi\omega R^5}{5} \frac{Q}{\frac{4}{3} \pi R^3} = \frac{3}{10} Q\omega R^2

the answer is supposed to be \frac{1}{5} Q\omega R^2

maybe I am missing some factors??
 
\oint d\Omega{\vec r}({\vec r}\cdot\omega)<br /> =4\pi r^2\omega/3.
 
Last edited:
i think there is a mistake in tis integral. but i don't know where. XD
<br /> m = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega(r\cdot r) - r(\omega \cdot r)\right) d\tau = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega r^2 - r^2\omega\cos\theta)\right) d\tau <br />
 
<br /> m = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega(r\cdot r) - r(\omega \cdot r)\right) d\tau = \frac{\rho}{2} \int \left(\omega r^2 - r^2\omega\cos\theta)\right) d\tau
 
the correct answer is = 1/3*Q*R^2*w ... please correct your solution as soon as possible .
 
klp_l123 said:
the correct answer is = 1/3*Q*R^2*w ... please correct your solution as soon as possible .

I disagree. I get \vec m = \frac 15 Q \omega R^2 \hat k. I see the mistake as having been made in the second integration above; it's NOT identically zero. The x and y components are because of the integration in \phi, but the z component is nonzero. Don't forget that the first "r" that shows up in the second integration is \vec r, NOT |\vec r|. Since we're working in spherical coordinates, this has three components with complicated expressions in terms of \theta and \phi.
 

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