Why we calculate B of solenoid with this way?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the magnetic field (B) of a solenoid using the Biot-Savart law and the integration of contributions from multiple rings along the length of the solenoid. Participants explore the mathematical setup and integration process involved in deriving the magnetic field expression.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the magnetic field calculation for a circular current using the Biot-Savart law and proposes an integral for the solenoid case.
  • Another participant questions the setup of the integral and suggests using a trigonometric substitution for the integration process.
  • There is a discussion about the proper formulation of the integral and the implications of integrating over a variable, emphasizing the need to consider contributions from individual rings.
  • A participant expresses appreciation for the clarification regarding the integration process and the role of the position of the rings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints on the setup and execution of the integral for calculating the magnetic field, indicating that there is no consensus on the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of considering the physical setup of the solenoid, including the finite number of rings and their thickness, which may affect the integration process.

theodoros.mihos
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We see the magnetic field calculation by Biot-Savart law for a circular current I on some distance z on the vertical axis throw it centre as:
$$ B(z) = \frac{\mu_0I}{2}\frac{r^2}{(r^2+z^2)^{3/2}} $$
where r is the radius of circle.

When we use summation of N rings lays on L length, like solenoid, we integrate as:
$$ B(z) = \frac{\mu_0nIr^2}{2}\int_{-L/2}^{L/2}\frac{dz}{[r^2+(z-z_0)^2]^{3/2}} $$

I think that ##B_i## for one ring gives to total ##B## an amount:
$$ B_i = B(z_i) = \frac{\mu_0I}{2}\frac{r^2}{[r^2+(z_i-z_0)^2]^{3/2}} $$

How we take the integral ##\int\,dz## ?
 
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How would you normally take the integral?
(You may want to try a trig substitution.)

Have you set up the integral correctly?
When you take the definite integral over a variable, it goes away - so you cannot have a function like ##f(z)=\int_a^b g(z)\;dz## because that implies that f is a function of z.

Usually you want to say something like - the ring between z=z' and z=z'+dz' contributes dB=something to the overall field at position z on the axis... then you put ##B=\int dB##. Then ##z'_i## is the position of the ith ring and you need to add them up.

##z_0## appears to be playing the role of ##z'## in your integral - so you need to integrate over that.

Have you examined the physics carefully ? - usually a solenoid has a finite number of rings in length L.
The integral implies that the rings are very thin.
 
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Simon Bridge said:
Usually you want to say something like - the ring between z=z' and z=z'+dz' contributes dB=something to the overall field at position z on the axis... then you put B=∫dBB=\int dB. Then ziz'_i is the position of the ith ring and you need to add them up.


I think this is the point I need. Thanks.
 
No worries.
 

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