Zero B Field Inside within Hollow Wire

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SUMMARY

The magnetic field inside a hollow cylindrical wire carrying a total current of I2 = 4 A is determined using Ampere's Law. The analysis reveals that the magnetic field B is zero at a radius of r = 0.20 m within the region defined by the inner radius a = 0.12 m and outer radius b = 0.26 m. The calculations involve determining the enclosed current I_enc as a function of the radius and applying the law appropriately. The final conclusion is that the magnetic field is not zero anywhere inside the hollow wire, contradicting the initial assumption.

PREREQUISITES
  • Ampere's Law
  • Understanding of magnetic fields in cylindrical coordinates
  • Knowledge of current distribution in cylindrical conductors
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
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  • Study the application of Ampere's Law in different geometries
  • Learn about magnetic field calculations in hollow conductors
  • Explore the concept of enclosed current in cylindrical systems
  • Investigate the effects of current distribution on magnetic fields
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Physics students, electrical engineers, and anyone interested in electromagnetic theory and applications of Ampere's Law in cylindrical geometries.

Amrator
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Homework Statement


A long, thin wire carrying constant current I1 = 2 A into the page is surrounded by a concentric cylindrical hollow wire of inner radius a = 0.12 m, and outer radius b= 0.26 m, carrying total current I2 = 4 A directed out of the page, as shown. Assume the current in the cylindrical hollow wire is distributed uniformly over its cross-sectional area.

fig17.gif


At what radius is B = 0 in the region a < r < b inside the hollow wire?

(A) .19 m
(B) .20 m
(C) .21 m
(D) .25 m
(E) The magnetic field is not zero anywhere inside the hollow wire.

Homework Equations


Ampere's Law

The Attempt at a Solution


Using ratios:
##I_r → 2π(r-a)##
##I_b → 2π(b-a)##
##I_{enc} = I_2 \frac{I_r}{I_b} - I_1 = (4A) \frac{r-a}{b-a} - I_1##
##b-a = .14##
##\frac{r-.12}{.14} = 1/2##
##r = .19 m##

The answer however is not A. What am I doing wrong?
 
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$$|\mathbf{B}| = \frac{\mu_0 I_{enc}}{2\pi r} $$

I am not sure you are correctly expressing ##I_{enc}## as a function of ##r##. It is going to be related to the area of an annulus. So I would expect to see ##r^2## somewhere in your work.
 
Amrator said:
The answer however is not A. What am I doing wrong?
Apply Ampere's law anywhere in the region a < r < b. What do you get?
 

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