Sei sulla pagina 1di 28

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

LECTURE NOTES 16
THE MAGNETIC VECTOR POTENTIAL A ( r )
We saw in electrostatics that E = 0 {always} (due to intrinsic / microscopic nature of the
electrostatic field) permitted us to introduce a scalar potential V ( r ) such that:
E ( r ) V ( r ) {n.b. V ( r ) is uniquely defined, up to an (arbitrary) constant.}
Analogously, in magnetostatics, the i B ( r ) = 0 (always) { no magnetic charges / no
magnetic monopoles} permits us to introduce a magnetic vector potential A ( r ) such that:

B (r ) A(r )
Teslas

S.I. units of the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) = Tesla-meters

TeslaMeters

Then: i B ( r ) = i A ( r ) = 0 {always}
The divergence of a curl of a vector field F ( r ) is always zero
Amperes Law:
In differential form:

B ( r ) = A ( r ) = i A ( r ) 2 A ( r ) = o J free ( r )

Now, just as in the case of electrostatics, where V ( r ) was uniquely defined up to an arbitrary
constant (Vo ) , then let: V ( r ) V ( r ) + Vo
=0

then:

E ( r ) = V ( r ) = (V ( r ) + Vo ) = V ( r ) Vo = V ( r )

i.e.

E ( r ) = V ( r ) = V ( r )

An analogous thing occurs in magnetostatics - we can add / we have the freedom to add to the
magnetic vector potential A ( r ) the gradient of any scalar function A ( r ) m ( r ) where
m ( r ) magnetic scalar potential SI Units of magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) = Tesla-m2

Then: A ( r ) A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r ) Formally known as a Gauge Transformation


The curl of the gradient of a scalar field ( m ( r ) here) automatically/always vanishes, i.e.:
0 Always !!!

B ( r ) = A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r )
= A(r )

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Note that the magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) has same physical units as magnetic flux m :
Tesla-m2 = Weber

(Magnetic flux, m = B ( r )idA !!)


S

eeek!!!!

Please do NOT confuse the magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) (= a scalar point function,
whose value can change at each/every point in space, r ) with the magnetic flux m (which is a
constant scalar quantity (i.e. a pure number), independent of position) m ( r ) m !!!
Thus, like the scalar potential V ( r ) , the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) is (also) uniquely
defined, but only up to an (arbitrary) vector function A ( r ) = m ( r ) .

A ( r ) A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r )
The definition B ( r ) A ( r ) specifies the curl of A ( r ) , but in order to fully specify the
vector field A ( r ) , we additionally need to specify the divergence of A ( r ) , i A ( r ) .
We can exploit the freedom of the definition of A ( r ) to eliminate the divergence of A ( r )
- i.e. a specific choice of A ( r ) will make A ( r ) divergenceless: i A ( r ) = 0 Coulomb Gauge
If:

A ( r ) A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r )

Then: i A ( r ) = i A ( r ) + iA ( r ) = i A ( r ) + i m ( r ) = i A ( r ) + 2 m ( r )
While the original magnetic vector potential, A ( r ) is not/may not be divergenceless, we can
make A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r ) divergenceless, i.e. i A ( r ) = 0 if we chose
A ( r ) = m ( r ) such that iA ( r ) = 2 m ( r ) = i A ( r ) Coulomb Gauge

A Simple Illustrative Example:


Suppose a region of space that has a uniform/constant magnetic field, e.g. B ( r ) = Bo z .

A ( r ) Ax ( r )
Then: B ( r ) = Bo z = A ( r ) = y

z .
y
x
Thus (here): A ( r ) = Ax ( r ) x + Ay ( r ) y + Az ( r ) z = Ax ( r ) x + Ay ( r ) y
=0

If Ax ( r ) = Bo y and Ay ( r ) = Bo x , then A ( r ) = 12 Bo yx + 12 Bo xy , and thus we see that this


1
2

1
2

choice of magnetic vector potential indeed gives us the correct B -field:


A ( r ) Ax ( r )
1
1

B (r ) = A(r ) = y
z = 2 Bo + 2 Bo = Bo z

x
y

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

A A A ( 12 Bo y ) ( 12 Bo x ) ( 0 )
Is i A = 0 satisfied? i A = x + y + z =
+
+
= 0 Yes!!!
z
y
y
z
x
x
Note that we could also have instead chosen/used a different magnetic vector potential:
A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r ) where e.g. A ( r ) = m ( r ) = Ao , i.e. where Ao is any
(arbitrary) constant vector, Ao = Aox x + Aoy y + Aoz z . Since (here) A ( r ) = m ( r ) = Ao , then
A ( r ) = m ( r ) = Ao = Aox x + Aoy y + Aoz z means that the gradient of the magnetic scalar

( Aoy y )
( Aox x )
( Aoz z )
x +
y +
z = Aox x + Aoy y + Aoz z = Ao = A ( r )
x
y
z
and thus the magnetic scalar potential itself (here) is: m ( r ) = Aox xx + Aoy yy + Aoz zz .

potential (here) is: m ( r ) =

Thus, here for the case of a constant/uniform magnetic field B ( r ) = Bo z we see that there is
in fact a continuum of allowed magnetic vector potentials A ( r ) = A ( r ) + Ao = A ( r ) + m ( r )
that simultaneously satisfy B ( r ) = Bo z = A ( r ) and i A ( r ) = 0 with the addition of an
(arbitrary) constant magnetic vector potential Ao = Aox x + Aoy y + Aoz z contribution with
corresponding magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) = Aox xx + Aoy yy + Aoz zz . Note that this is exactly
analogous to the situation in electrostatics where the scalar electric potential V ( r ) is unique, up
to an arbitrary constant, Vo because there exists no absolute voltage reference in our universe
i.e. absolute measurements of the scalar electric potential are meaningless - only potential
differences have physical significance!!!
We used this simple example of the constant/uniform magnetic field B ( r ) = Bo z to elucidate
this particular aspect of the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) . Here in this particular example, we
found that the addition of an arbitrary constant vector
A ( r ) = Ao = Aox x + Aoy y + Aoz z = m ( r ) to the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) was allowed,
i.e. A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) = A ( r ) + Ao , which leaves the magnetic field B ( r ) unchanged. In
general there are many instances involving more complicated physics situations,
where B ( r ) constant vector field, where indeed B ( r ) = A ( r ) and i A ( r ) = 0 are
simultaneously satisfied for A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) , because it is possible to determine/find a
corresponding magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) for the problem satisfying 2 m ( r ) = i A ( r ) ,
but it is (very) important to understand that, in general, the allowed A ( r ) = m ( r ) (very
likely) may not be simply a constant vector field, but indeed one which varies in space (i.e. with
position vector, r )! Here again, however, the new A ( r ) = A ( r ) + A ( r ) will also be such that

B ( r ) = A ( r ) will be unchanged, exactly analogous to V ( r ) = V ( r ) + Vo leaving


E ( r ) = V ( r ) unchanged.
Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

So we see that if 2 m ( r ) = i A ( r ) then yes, i A ( r ) = 0 .


It is always possible to find an A ( r ) = m ( r ) in order to make i A ( r ) = 0 .
Note however that this situation is then formally mathematically identical to Poissons Equation,
for the magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) because:
2 m ( r ) = m ( r ) Analogous to 2V ( r ) =
Equivalent magnetic
volume charge density

Tot ( r )
in electrostatics!!!
0

Physically, m ( r ) could e.g. be due to bound effective

magnetic charges associated with a magnetic material

If we assume that the equivalent magnetic volume charge density, m ( r ) 0 and we want
i A ( r ) = 0
Then: i A ( r ) + iA ( r ) = i A ( r ) + 2 m ( r ) = 0
Or:

i A ( r ) m ( r ) = 0 i A ( r ) = m ( r )

Then, the solution to Poissons equation for the magnetic scalar potential m ( r ) is of the form:
m ( r ) =

1
4

m ( r)
r

d Analogous to V ( r ) =

1
4 0

Tot ( r )
r

d in electrostatics

with r = r r
(n.b. these two relations are both valid assuming that m ( r ) and ToT ( r ) vanish when r !)
So then if m ( r ) = i A ( r ) , and m ( r ) = i A ( r ) vanishes as r , then the magnetic
scalar potential m ( r ) is given by:

m ( r ) =

1
4

m ( r)
r

d =

1
4

i A ( r )
d
v
r

{Note that if i A ( r ) = m ( r ) does not go to zero at infinity, then well have to use some other
means in order to obtain an appropriate m ( r ) , e.g. in an analogous manner to that which weve
had to do for the (electric) scalar potential V ( r ) associated with problems that have electric
charge distributions extending out to infinity.}
Thus, this choice of m ( r ) ensures that indeed we can always make the magnetic vector
potential A ( r ) divergenceless, i.e. the condition i A ( r ) = 0 (Coulomb Gauge) can always be
met, for the case of magnetostatics. Note that if m ( r ) = 0 then m ( r ) = i A ( r ) = 0 .
4

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

With the choice of the magnetic scalar potential:


1
4

m ( r ) =

m ( r)

d and A ( r ) = A ( r ) + Ao = A ( r ) + m ( r ) , and i A ( r ) = 0

Then Amperes Law (in differential form) becomes:

B ( r ) = A ( r ) = i A ( r ) 2 A ( r ) = 0 J free ( r )
=0

Which gives: A ( r ) = 0 J free ( r ) Vector form of Poissons equation for magnetostatics.


2

i.e.:

2 Ax ( r ) = o J x free ( r )
The three separate/independent scalar forms
2

Ay ( r ) = o J y free ( r ) of Poisson's equation are connected by:


2

J free ( r ) = J x free ( r ) x + J y free ( r ) y + J z free ( r ) z


Az ( r ) = o J z free ( r )

n.b. in Cartesian coordinates: 2 A ( r ) = ( 2 Ax ( r ) ) x + ( 2 Ay ( r ) ) y + ( 2 Az ( r ) ) z

However, in curvilinear coordinates (i.e. spherical-polar or cylindrical coordinates)


r = sin cos x + sin sin y + cos z

e.g. spherical-polar coordinates: = cos cos x + cos sin y sin z


= sin x + cos y

Note that the unit vectors r, + for spherical-polar coordinates are in fact explicit functions of
the vector position, r i.e. r = r ( r ) , = ( r ) and = ( r ) and therefore r, + must also be
explicitly differentiated in calculating the Laplacian 2 of a vector function (here, A ( r ) ) in
curvilinear (i.e. either spherical-polar and/or cylindrical) coordinates!!! This is extremely
important to keep in mind, for the future

The safest way to calculate the Laplacian of a vector function 2 A ( r ) in terms of curvilinear
coordinates, is to NOT use curvilinear coordinates!!! Failing that, then one should use:

2 A ( r ) = i A ( r ) A ( r ) = A ( r )

= 0 in the
Coulomb Gauge

If m ( r ) = 0 then (automatically) m ( r ) = i A ( r ) = 0 and we can use A ( r ) directly.


Hence, if 2 A ( r ) = 0 J free ( r ) (vector Poisson equation for magnetostatics),
then if J free ( r ) 0 as r , then A ( r ) =

0
4

J free ( r )
r

d where r = r = r r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Generalizing this for a moving point charge as well as for line, surface and volume current
densities (with B ( r ) = A ( r ) ), we summarize these results in the following table:
v ( r )
o
q free
4
r
I free ( r )

A(r ) = o
d
4 C
r

d
= o I free
C r
4

A(r ) =

A(r ) =

0
4

A(r ) =

o
4

K free ( r )

J free ( r )

B (r ) =

v ( r ) r
o
q free
4
r2

B (r ) =

o
4

(I

free

( r) d

(
o
I free

C
4

B (r ) =

o
4

B (r ) =

o
4

da

r
d ( r ) r

r
K free ( r ) r
2

r
J free ( r ) r
r

) da

) d

Note that: A v , I , d , K , J i.e. A is always parallel to the direction of motion of current, with

relative velocity v , whereas B = A v , I , d , K , J .


Note also that B and A both vanish when v 0
(e.g. in the rest frame of a current (e.g. a proton or an electron beam)).
A Tale of Two Reference Frames:

For a pure point electric charge/point electric monopole moment, q we know that if it is moving
in the lab frame with speed v << c {c = speed of light in vacuum} that the magnetic field Bq ( r )
observed in the lab frame is:
Bq ( r ) = Aq ( r ) =

q
r
r
1
v Eq ( r ) =
v 2 = o qv 2
2
2
c
r 4
r
4 0 c

Thus in the lab frame where this charged particle is moving, the magnetic vector potential Aq ( r )
associated with this moving charged particle (as observed in the lab frame) has a non-zero curl.
Contrast this with the situation in the rest frame of this pure point electric charge particle, where
the magnetic field vanishes, i.e. the magnetic vector potential Aq ( r ) associated with this charged
particle has no curl!!!
1 V ( r , t )
in electrodynamics.
c2
t
connection between the A ( r , t ) field and electric scalar potential V ( r , t ) - they are in fact

We will find out (next semester, in P436) that: i A ( r , t ) =

the 3 spatial & 1 temporal components of the relativistic 4-potential in electrodynamics !!!

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Uses of the Magnetic Scalar Potential m ( r ) :

In certain (limited) circumstances for magnetostatics, it is actually possible to have the


magnetic field B ( r ) directly related to the (negative) gradient of a magnetic scalar potential
m ( r ) , i.e. B ( r ) = o m ( r ) , in direct analogy to that for electrostatics E ( r ) = V ( r ) .

However, while i B ( r ) = oi m ( r ) = o 2 m ( r ) = 0 is satisfied, i.e. 2 m ( r ) = 0


is Laplaces equation for the magnetic scalar potential, m ( r ) (n.b. implying that m ( r ) 0 ),
Amperes law B ( r ) = o m ( r ) = o J ( r ) is not satisfied/is violated (!!!) unless
0 Always !!!

J ( r ) 0 everywhere in the region(s) of interest. These current-free regions must also be simplyconnected. {A region D (e.g. in a plane) is connected if any two points in the region can be
connected by a piecewise smooth curve lying entirely within D. A region D is a simply
connected region if every closed curve in D encloses only points that are in D.}
The use of B ( r ) = m ( r ) is in fact helpful for determining the magnetic fields associated
with e.g. current-carrying filamentary wires, current loops/magnetic dipoles, and e.g. the
magnetic fields associated with magnetized materials/magnetized objects.
The SI Units of the magnetic vector potential A are Tesla-meters (= magnetic field strength
per unit length), which is also equal to Newtons/Ampere (force per unit current) =
kg-meter/Ampere-sec2 = kg-meter/Coulomb-sec = (kg-meter/sec)/Coulomb = momentum per
unit charge, since (kg-meter/sec) are the physical units associated with momentum p = " mv " .
Thus, for the A -field:
1 Tesla-meter = 1 unit of

force
momentum
= 1 unit of
Ampere of current
Coulomb of charge

and for the B -field, from B ( r ) = A ( r ) :


1 Tesla

= 1 unit of

force
N
momentum
meter =
=
meter
Ampere of current
A m Coulomb of charge

Physically, the A -field has units of force per Ampere of current (or momentum per Coulomb of
electric charge), and thus physically, the magnetic field B ( r ) = A ( r ) is the curl of the force
per unit current (or momentum per unit charge) field. Note also that force, F = dP dt and
current, I = dQ dt such that the magnetic vector potential A physically also has units of
Force F dp / dt dp / dt p
=
=
and thus B is the curl of this physical quantity.

= =
Current I dq / dt dq / dt q

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

The Magnetic Vector Potential of a Long Straight Wire Carrying a Steady Current

For a filamentary wire carrying steady current I, the magnetic vector potential and magnetic field
d r
d


B (r ) = A(r ) = o I
and
are: A ( r ) = o I
r2
4 C r
4 C
Let the length of wire = 2L, and I = Iz and thus d = d z = dzz

r = r = r r = R2 +

The infinitesimal magnetic vector potential,


dA ( r = Ry ) due to the current-carrying
line segment d carrying current I is:

dA ( r = Ry ) = o
4

d ( r ) o
=
I
r

d ( r)
I

R2 + 2

The corresponding infinitesimal magnetic field increment is:


d ( r ) o
dzz

=
dB ( r = Ry ) = dA ( r = Ry ) = o I

I
r
4
4
R2 + 2
d
z =+ L dzz
L
= 2 o
A ( r = Ry ) = dA ( r = Ry ) = o I
2
2
=
0
C
z
L
4
4
R +
R2 + 2
Now:
L


= o I ln + R 2 + 2 z = o I ln L + R 2 + L2 ln R

4
4

More generally, for a distance R away from a long straight wire of length 2L carrying a steady
current I:
2
L

A ( r = Ry ) = o I ln 1 + 1 + R
z
L
R

( )

If L >> R, then: A ( r = Ry ) o
4

2L
z {Since 1 + 1 for
I ln
R

1 .}

Note that if L (or R 0), then A ( r = Ry ) diverges (logarithmically)!


This is OK (unphysical anyway!) because even if A , B = A !!! (necessarily!!!)

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

So, for a distance R away from a long straight wire of length 2L carrying a steady current I:

A ( r = Ry ) = o
4

2
L

R
ln
1
1
I
z = Az ( r = Ry ) z
+
+

( )

Then B ( r ) = A ( r ) Lets do this in cylindrical coordinates: (note: = x 2 + y 2 = R here):


=0
=0

1 Az A

B ( = R) =
z

B ( = R) =

Or:

=0

=0

=0
A
1

A Az
+

+
( A )

=R
=R

1
R
0

z
Az

0
0

In Cylindrical Coordinates:
=

Az

= R

=R

B = 0

Bz = 0

Then: B ( = R ) =

Az

=R

Now if: U ( R ) L + L2 + R 2

dU ( R )
=
dR


= o I
ln L + L2 + R 2 ln R

4 R

R
1 dU ( R )

ln (U ( R ) ) =

=
R
U ( R ) dR
L + L2 + R 2
Since:

1
Az
Az
=

Thus: B = i R
= R
= R
R

Then:

Az

=R

=R

R
L2 + R 2

and:

)(

L2 + R 2

1
ln ( R ) ) =
(
R
R

B-field associated

with filamentary

R
1


wire of length 2L
Then finally: B ( = R ) = o I
2
2
R
2 2
carrying steady
L 1+ R
1+ 1+ R

L
L
current I.

I
Note that as L , then B ( = R ) = o i.e. exactly the same as we obtained for
2 R
-long straight filamentary wire carrying steady current I (see previous P435 Lecture Notes)!!!

( )

( )

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

The Magnetic Vector Potential A ( r ) and Magnetic Field B ( r ) = A ( r ) Associated with


a Pair of Long, Parallel Wires Carrying Steady Currents I1 = + Iz and I 2 = Iz ,
Separated by a Perpendicular Separation Distance, d

Plane to
wires and
containing
separation
distance d

= + d z = + dzz

r 1 = r1 r1 = r r1

= d z = dzz

r 2 = r2 r2 = r r2

( r1 = r2 = r )

For simplicitys sake, assume L >> R1, R2.

Then: A1 ( R1 ) + o
2

2L

z and
I ln

R1

A2 ( R2 ) o
2

2L

z
I ln

R1

Then, using the principle of linear superposition:


2 L o

ATOT ( r ) = A1 ( r ) + A2 ( r ) + o I ln
z
2
R1 2

2L

z
I ln

R2

Or:

10

R
R


ATOT ( r ) o I ln 2 z = o I ln 2 z for L >> R1, R2.
2
4
R1
R1

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Now let us re-locate the local origin to be at the LHS wire, where it intersects the -plane:
Top View
I1 (out of page) d

I 2 (into page)

R12 = x 2 + y 2

d-y

y
R1

Then: ATOT ( r )

R22 = x 2 + ( d 2 y 2 )

R2

o
4

R2

o
I ln R z = 4

x 2 + ( d y )2

I ln x 2 + y 2 z for L >> R1, R2.

ATOT ( y = 0 ) diverges (x = 0)

ATOT ( r )

(for x = 0
i.e. observation
point on y -axis) y = 0

ATOT y = d

) = 0 for I

y = d/2

= I 2 = Iz

y=d

ATOT ( y = d ) diverges (x = 0)

Note that ATOT = Az z i.e. AxTOT = ATOT


= 0 (since currents only in z -direction) !!!
y
Note also that ATOT = Az z changes sign its direction is parallel to the closest current!!!
Then: BTOT ( r ) = ATOT ( r ) , in Cartesian ( x y z ) coordinates:
TOT
x

AzTOT
(d y) y
=+
= o I
+ 2
2
R1
y
2 R2

BTOT
=+
y

AzTOT

= o
x
2

x
x
I 2 2
R2 R1

R12 = x 2 + y 2
R22 = x 2 + ( d 2 y 2 )

BzTOT = 0

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

11

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

At the point x = 0 and y = d/2 (i.e. at the center point, midway between the two conductors):
{where R1 = R2 = R = d/2}:

TOT
x

= o
2

d
d
2
2 = o
+
I

2
2

2
d
d
2
2

( ) ( )

o 4
1
2 o I
1

I =
I d + d =
2 d

2
2

BTOT
=0
y

BzTOT = 0

Top View:

2 I
BTOT x = 0, y = d , z = 0 = o x
2
d

The Magnetic Vector Potential A ( r ) and Magnetic Field B ( r ) = A ( r )


Associated with a Magnetic Dipole Loop
(For Large Source-Observer Separation Distances)

For simplicitys sake, let us choose the observation / field point P ( r ) to lie in the x-z plane:

Observation / field
Point P ( r ) = P ( x, 0, z )
Magnetic Dipole
Loop has radius R
R = r

I = I

12

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

d = Rd

(d

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

cos = rir = opening angle between r and r


r i r r ir r ir
=
=
cos =
where: r = r = R
r i r r ir rR

= Rd )

{from the arc length formula S = R }


Id ( r ) o

=
Now: A ( r ) = o

r
4 C
4

d ( r )

I C
r

A ( r ) (here) is a function of x and y only (actually only ) and not z since Id = Id lies
in the x-y plane and I = I (here).
Since we evaluate A in the x-z plane, the only component of d that will contribute to A (there)
will be in the y direction (n.b. A is parallel to the closest current from the observation point P(r)).
We only want the component of d ( r ) along the y -axis, d

( r ) cos

(Note: If we wanted

to evaluate A e.g. in the y-z plane, then we would want only the component of d ( r ) along the
x -axis, d

( r ) sin )

2 ( Rd ) cos
= y in the x-z plane for r = ( x, 0, z ) .
Then: A ( r ) = A ( x, 0, z ) = o I
r
4 0
Now: r 2 = r 2 + R 2 2rR cos (from the Law of Cosines) and r = r r
1

And:
And:

R 2 2rR
2
1 R R
= 1 2 + 2 cos 1 + cos if R
r r
r
2 r r

r ir = rr cos = ( xx + zz )i( R cos x + R sin y ) = xR cos

r, r

and r r .

(if the observation / field point P ( r ) = P ( x, 0, z ) lies in the x-z plane)


2

1 R xR cos
1 +
Thus:
for r >> R and r r = r r
2 r
r2
r
1 R 2 xR

I = 2
R cos 1 + 2 cos d y
Then: A ( r ) = A ( x, 0, z ) o
2 r

r
4 r =0

2
I R
A ( r ) = A ( x, 0, z ) o 3 xy for r >> R and r r = r r
Or:
4 r
r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

13

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

But notice that in the x-z plane:


P ( r ) = P ( x, 0, z )
x
sin =
r

r
x

y out of page

I R
A ( r ) = A ( x, 0, z ) o 2 sin y for r >> R and r r = r r
4 r
But in the x-z plane, = y , and since the direction of A ( r ) is always parallel to the current:
2

A(r )

2
o I R

2 sin for r >> R and r


4 r

r = r r {n.b. A ( r ) I }

The magnetic dipole moment associated with this current-carrying loop is m = mz


m = Ia = Iaz (for this planar loop) where (here): a = R 2 z (by the right-hand rule)
m = I R 2 z and: m = m = Ia = I R 2 = R 2 I

Note that: z r = cos r sin r = sin r = sin ( ) = + sin


Thus, the quantity: m r = Iaz r = I R 2 ( z r ) = I R 2 sin

m r m r
A ( r ) o 2 = o 3 for r >> R and r
4 r
4 r

r = r r

Now B ( r ) = A ( r ) in spherical coordinates for the magnetic dipole (with magnetic dipole
moment m = Ia = I R 2 z ) is:
2m
Br ( r ) = o 3 cos
4 r
m
B ( r ) = o 3 sin
4 r

valid for r >> R and r

r = r r

B ( r ) = 0

B ( r ) = Br ( r ) r + B ( r ) + B ( r )

Thus: B ( r ) = o
4

3 2 cos r + sin
r

for r >> R and r

r = r r and m = Ia = I R 2 z .

cf w/ the E -field associated with a physical electric dipole with dipole moment p = qd :
1
E (r ) =
4 o

14

p
3 2 cos r + sin for r >> d and r
r

r = r r and p = qd .

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

We already know what this B ( r ) looks like it it is solenoidal around the current loop:
Cross-Sectional View of a Magnetic Dipole Loop:

Thus if m = Ia = I R 2 z = a constant vector, A ( r ) o


4
m r

B ( r ) = A ( r ) = o 3 for r >> R and r r
r
4

r
o
i r 3

+
i
B (r ) =
m
m

3
r

4
r

=0

e.g. mx
and: i

r
r

m r
3 for r >> R and r
r

r = r r

= r r

i r 3 = 0
r

3 ( mi r ) r
3 ( mir ) r m
r
m
r mx x
r
=
3 = 3 3mx x 5 mi 3 = 3
5
3
x r r
r
r
r
r
r

3
r

ri

3r
r

B (r ) = A(r ) = o
4

3
r

3r ir
r

3
r

m r o

3 =

4
r

for r >> R (far away) and r

3r
r

2
5

3
r

3
r

3 ( mir ) r m

3

r

=0

Magnetic Field
of a Magnetic
Dipole Loop

r = r r

The magnetic field of a distant circuit (r >> R) does not depend on its detailed geometry,
but only its magnetic dipole moment, m !!! Important (conceptual) result!!!

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

15

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Compare this result for B ( r ) for the magnetic dipole loop, with magnetic dipole moment
m = Ia , with result for the electric dipole field E ( r ) associated with a physical electric dipole

moment p = qd :

B (r ) = o
4

3 ( mir ) r m

3

r

m = Ia , for r

R (far away) and r

r = r r

1 3 ( p ir ) r p
E (r ) =
p = qd , for r

3
r
4 o

d (far away) and r

r = r r

+q
When r R (or less) for magnetic dipole loop
Or
r d (or less) for electric dipole, then
will be able to see / observe / detect higherorder moments - e.g. quadrupole, octupole,
sextupole, etc. . .moments of the B E fields.

p = qd

( )

q
The statement that the magnetic field of a distant circuit (r >> R) does not depend on its detailed
geometry, but only its magnetic dipole moment, m = Ia (n.b. this is also true for the electrostatic
case, with p = qd ) are very useful!!!
If one can compute m = Ia then one can obtain A ( r ) and hence B ( r ) = A ( r )
(or if have p = qd then can obtain E ( r ) ) for r >> R (or d) and r

r = r r . EASY!!!

Magnetic Flux Conservation

If B ( r ) = A ( r ) then i B ( r ) = i A ( r ) = 0 is automatically satisfied everywhere ( r )


If i B ( r ) 0 for each/every point, r in a volume v bounded by its surface S

(by the Divergence Theorem)


i B ( r ) d = B ( r )indA
?? B ( r )indA
0
What is B ( r )indA

Then:

Recall Gauss Law for E (and/or D ) were:


= Q enclosed
D DindA
= net electric displacement flux through closed surface S .
free
S

=Q
E ( r )indA

Thus: m

=0
B ( r )indA

enclosed
Tot

o = net electric flux through closed surface S .

= net magnetic flux through closed surface S 0 !!!

Magnetic flux is conserved magnetic field lines have no beginning / no end points
(because no magnetic charge(s)!)
The SI units of magnetic flux m are Tesla-m2 = Webers
16

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Again: Do not confuse magnetic flux, m with the magnetic scalar potential m ( r )
(they even have the same units!!! Webers / Tesla-m2) WAA-HEE !!!
They are not the same thing!!!

A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r )
B ( r ) = A ( r ) = A ( r ) + m ( r )

m = B ( r )indA
S

Magnetic Flux

Magnetic Vector Potential


Area element

Magnetic Scalar Potential

Dont confuse
these either!!!
m ( r ) =

A ( r ) = 2 m ( r ) = m ( r )

1
4

i A ( r )

gives i A ( r ) = 0

The magnetic flux through a surface S (not necessarily closed!!!):


= A ( r ) indS
= A ( r )id by Stokes Theorem
m = B ( r )indS
S

n.b. not a closed surface!


m =

Magnetic flux enclosed by contour C :


n.b. This d

is NOT a line segment associated with a line current I !!!

= A ( r ) indS
=
m = B ( r )indS
S

A ( r )i d

A ( r )i d
C

m ( r )id = m

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

17

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Griffiths Example 5.11:

A spherical shell of radius R carries a uniform surface charge density and rotates with
constant angular velocity , Determine the magnetic vector potential it produces at point r .
A rotating surface charge density produces a surface/sheet current density K ( r ) = v ( r )
The magnetic vector potential is thus: A ( r ) =

o
4

K ( r)

da

For ease of integration, choose the observation/field point P ( r ) = P ( zz ) (i.e. r = zz ) along the
+ z -axis and to lie in the x-z plane. Choose the origin to be at the center of the sphere, as
shown in the figure below:

r = r r = R 2 + r 2 2 Rr cos from the law of cosines


K ( r ) = v ( r)

v ( r ) = r
= sin x + cos z (here)
r = R sin cos x + R sin sin y + R cos z

and:

v ( r ) = r
x
v ( r ) =

sin
cos
0
R sin cos R sin sin R cos

v ( r ) = R ( cos sin sin ) x + ( cos sin cos sin cos ) y + ( sin sin sin ) z
Now since

sin d = cos d = 0
0

Then terms involving only sin or cos in the integral for A ( r ) contribute nothing.
18

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

( r )
da
r
r
with K ( r ) = ( r ) and da = R 2 sin d d and r = R 2 + r 2 2 Rr cos
A(r ) =

o
4

Then: A ( r ) =
Let:

K ( r )

Fall Semester, 2007

da =

o
4

o R 3 sin

u cos
du = sin d

d y
R + r 2 Rr cos

cos sin

cos sin
R 2 + r 2 2 Rr cos

(R
=

= 0 u = +1
= u = 1

+ r 2 + Rru )
3R 2 r 2

d =

+1

udu
R 2 + r 2 2 Rru
u =+1

R 2 + r 2 2 Rru
u =1

1
R 2 + r 2 + Rr ) R r ( R 2 + r 2 Rr ) ( R + r )
2 2 (

3R r
2r
If r < R (i.e. inside sphere) then this integral = 2
3R
2R
If r > R (i.e. outside sphere) then this integral = 2
3r
=

Now: r = r sin y
Then: A ( r ) =

o R

( r ) for r < R (inside sphere)


3
o R 4
A(r ) =
( r ) for r > R (outside sphere)
3r 3

If we now rotate the problem so that = z and r = ( r , , )


then r = r sin y r sin , thus with rotated to = z and field point now located
at r = ( r , , ) , the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) inside/outside the rotating sphere becomes:
A ( r , , ) =

o R

r sin ( r < R , inside sphere)

3
o R 4 sin
( r > R , outside sphere)
A ( r , , ) =
3
r2

A(r )

Amax ( r = R )

~r

= o R 2 sin
1
3

~ 1 r2
r=R

Then: B ( r ) = A ( r ) =

= z

2o R
2
2
cos r sin = o R z = o R !!! ( = z )
3
3
3

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

19

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Griffiths Example 5.12:

Determine the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) of an infinitely long solenoid with n turns / unit
length, radius R and steady current I
n.b. The current extends to infinity, so we cannot use A ( r ) =

o
4

But we do know that:

d because it diverges!

Magnetic flux m = A ( r )id = A ( r ) ida = Bida


C

Flux-enclosing loop / contour


m = B ( r )ida
S

But we know from Amperes Circuital Law that:


Binside ( r R ) = o nIz = uniform & constant
= ( o nI ) ( R 2 ) = o nI R 2
inside
m

= A ( r = R )i d
But: inside
m
C

where d = Rd

= A ( r = R ) 2 R
inside
m

Now Asolenoid must be parallel to I = I


for the ideal solenoid (i.e. no pitch angle)
A ( r ) = A ( r )

Then: A ( r = R ) =

inside
nI R 2
1
m
= o nIR
= o
2
2 R
2 R

If r > R, then more generally, we have:


For r < R, then:

Aoutside ( r > R ) =

Ainside

R2
1
o nI
2
r

1
( r < R ) = o nIr
2

A(r )

Amax ( r = R )
= 12 o nIR

~r

~1 r

r=R

Note that: A ( r ) = A ( r ) (only) for the infinitely long ideal solenoid.

20

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Does B ( r ) = A ( r ) ?
B (r ) = A(r ) =

1
( rA ( r ) ) z in cylindrical coordinates
r r
=0

2
1
1
1
1 R
Boutside ( r > R ) = o nI r
R 2 ) z 0
(
z = o nI
2
r r
2
r r r
1
1
1
1
Binside ( r < R ) = o nI ( r 2 ) z = o nI ( 2r ) z = o nIz
2
2
r r
r

A ( r ) = A ( r )

Does i A ( r ) = 0 ?? (Coulomb Gauge)

In Cylindrical Coordinates:
1 A ( r )
i A ( r ) =
= 0 because A ( r ) has NO explicit -dependence!
r
Aoutside ( r > R ) =

Ainside ( r < R ) =

R2
1
o nI
2
r

1
o nIr
2

Magnetostatic Boundary Conditions

In the case of electrostatics, we learned (via use of Gauss Law enclosed


= QTot
E = E ( r )inda
o ) that the normal component of E ( r ) suffers a discontinuity
S

whenever there is a surface charge density (free or bound) present on a surface / interface:
E2 above E1 below =

above
2

Tot ( free + bound ) V2above


=
=
o
o
n

surface

V1below
n

surface

= 1above ( is continuous across interface)

n.b. = perpendicular component relative to surface, = parallel component relative to surface:

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

21

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Consider a thin conducting sheet of material carrying a surface current density of


K = Kx = K ( x ) Amperes/meter

Now imagine that this current sheet K = Kx = K ( x ) is placed in an external magnetic field,
e.g. created / emanating from some other current-carrying circuit below this current sheet.
Call this external magnetic field that is below the original current sheet B1below
.
ext
What we discover is that the magnetic field above the current sheet B2above
is not parallel to B1below
ext
ext
- it has been refracted by the current sheet (in the tangential direction - with respect to the
surface)!

The physical origin for this is simple to understand. Below the current sheet, the current sheet
1
below
below
itself adds to the tangential component of Bext
a component Bsheet
= o Ky (for K = Kx ),
2
above
however, above the current sheet, the current sheet adds to the tangential component of Bext
a
1
above
component Bsheet
= + o Ky (for K = Kx ).
2

z
So if: Bext = Bextx x + Bext y y + Bext
z

below
below
below
below
= Bextx x + Bext y y + Bext
z
Then: Bext
z

And:

22

above
above
above
above
Bext
= Bextx x + Bext y y + Bext
z
z

= parallel to surface
= perpendicular to surface

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Then by the principle of linear superposition, BTot = Bext + Bsheet .


Hence, below the current sheet ( K = Kx ):
= B sheet

1
below
below
below
below
below

y + Bext
= Bextbelow
+

x
B

K
z = BTOT
x + BTOT
y + BTOT
z
ext y
o
x
z
x
y
z
2

below

below
BTOT

And above the current sheet ( K = Kx ):


= B sheet

above 1

above
above
above
above

y + Bext
= Bextabove
+
+
x
B

K
z = BTOT
x + BTOT
y + BTOT
z
ext
o
x
y
z
x
y
z
2

above

above
BTOT

above
below
Thus, (comparing BTOT
vs. BTOT
component-by-component), we see that:

1)

2)

below
above
BTOT
= BTOT
x
x

Tangential (to sheet / surface) component of BTOT parallel

Bextbelow
= Bextabove
x
x

to sheet current K = Kx is continuous.

BTOTy BTOTy

Tangential (to sheet/surface) component of BTOT perpendicular

below

above

above
below
BTOTy BTOTy = o K to sheet current K = Kx is discontinuous by an amount

o K across sheet / surface.


3)

below
above
BTOT
= BTOT
z
z

Normal (to sheet/surface) component of BTOT is continuous

below
above
Bext
= Bext
z
z

across sheet / surface.

Mathematically, these 3 statements can be compactly combined into a single expression:


above
below
BTOT
BTOT
= o K n where the unit normal to the surface, n = z (here, as drawn above).

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

23

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

As we found in electrostatics, that the scalar electric potential V ( r ) was continuous across
any boundary Vabove ( r ) = Vbelow ( r ) , likewise, the magnetic vector potential A ( r ) is also
continuous across any boundary, i.e. Aabove ( r ) = Abelow ( r ) provided that: i A ( r ) = 0 , which

guarantees that Aabove ( r ) = Abelow ( r ) and also provided that: A ( r ) = B ( r ) , which, in


integral form, i.e.

A ( r )i d
C

B ( r )ida =
S

guarantees that Aabove ( r ) = Abelow ( r ) .

However, note that the normal derivative of A ( r ) , since A ( r ) K ( r ) then A ( r ) also


inherits the discontinuity associated with B ( r ) : BTOTy BTOTy = o K (see #2 on previous
above

below

page), and since B ( r ) = A ( r ) , thus we have a discontinuity in the (normal) slope(s) of


A ( r ) on either side of the boundary/current sheet.
We can understand the origin of this condition on the normal derivative(s) of A ( r ) taken just
above/below an interface e.g. for the specific case of the current sheet K = Kx . From
above
below
BTOTy BTOTy = o K we know that the discontinuity in the B -field is in the y -direction,
whereas since the magnetic vector potential associated with the current sheet A ( r ) is always
parallel to the current, and since K = Kx we know that the component of ATOT ( r ) that we are

concerned with here is in the y -direction. But from: BTOT = ATOT , then: BTOTy = ATOT

thus we need to worry only about the y -component of the curl of ATOT ( r ) , which is:

BTOTy = ATOT

ATOTx ATOTz
=

z
x

Then, noting that the z -direction is perpendicular (i.e. normal) to the plane of the current sheet:
above
below
above
below
ATOT

ATOT

ATOT
ATOT
above
below
x
x
z
z

BTOTy BTOTy = o K =
z

x
x

surface
surface
above
below
above
below
ATOT
ATOT

ATOTx
ATOT
x
z
z

x
z
z
x

surface

above
below
ATOT
ATOTx
x

surface
surface

=0

ATOT
suffers no discontinuity
z

nor ATOTy suffer discontinuities in their slopes at the current sheet only
Neither ATOT
z
above
ATOT
does - in the normal (i.e. z ) direction. Therefore, we can most generally write this
x

condition on the discontinuity in the normal derivative on A ( r ) as:


Aabove ( r )
Abelow ( r )

= o K
n

n
surface
surface
24

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

The Magnetic Vector Potential A ( r ) Associated with a Finite Circular Disk Sheet Current

We wish to delve a bit deeper into the nature of the magnetic vector potential, A ( r ) and also
B ( r ) = A ( r ) associated with current sheets. Consider a sheet current K = K o x flowing on the
surface of a finite circular disk of radius R, lying in the x-y plane as shown in the figure below:
z
+z
r

x , K = K o x

To keep it simple, well just calculate A ( r ) at an arbitrary point along the z -axis above and
below the x-y plane. The magnetic vector potential A ( r ) associated with a sheet current is:
A(r ) =

o
4

K ( r )
K x da
da = o o
S
4 S r
r

We deliberately chose a sheet current flowing on a finite circular disk of radius R so that we
could easily carry out the integration. The area element da on the circular disk (in cylindrical
coordinates) is da = d ( d ) = d d , and from the figure above, we see that: r = 2 + z 2 .
A( z ) =
Thus:
=

=R

o K o x = R = 2 d d 2 o K o x = R d
1
= o K o x 2 + z 2
=

2
2
2
2
=
0
=
0
=
0

=0
2
4
4
+z
+z
1
1
o K o x R 2 + z 2 z 2 = o K o R 2 + z 2 z 2 x

Now there is a subtlety here that we need to notice before proceeding further since we are
interested in knowing A ( z ) at an arbitrary point along the z -axis - above and/or below the x-y
plane, thus z can be either positive or negative. Note that both the

R 2 + z 2 and z 2 terms are

always 0 for both positive and/or negative z (in particular: z 2 = z z !). Thus, in order to
preserve this fact, we explicitly keep expression for the magnetic vector potential A ( z ) as:
A( z ) =

1
o K o
2

R 2 + z 2 z 2 x

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

25

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

A plot of the magnetic vector potential A ( z ) vs. z is shown in the figure below for a circular
disk of radius R = 10 m and sheet current K = K o x = 1.0 x Amperes/meter.

Note that A ( z ) is a maximum when z = 0, right on the sheet current. Note also the discontinuity
in the slope(s) of A ( z ) on either side of z = 0, which arises due to the presence of the sheet
current in the x-y plane, since:
Aabove ( r )

n
surface

Abelow ( r )
= o K
n
surface

Aabove ( z 0 )
Abelow ( z 0 )

= o K
z
z
z =0
z =0

or:

Care/thought must also be taken when carrying out the normal derivatives (slopes) above and
below the x-y plane look carefully at the slopes for z > 0 and z < 0 in the above figure, and
compare this information to what we calculate:
A

above

( z 0) = 1

Ko

z
z
R 2 + z 2 z 2 x = 12 o K o

2
2
z2
R +z

( z 0) = 1

Ko

z
z
z
1
R 2 + z 2 z 2 x = 12 o K o

+ 1 x
x = 2 o K o
2
2
2
2
2
z
R +z
R +z

z
A

below

26

z
1
1 x
x = 2 o K o
2
2

R +z

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

Thus we see that indeed:


Aabove ( z 0 )
Abelow ( z 0 )

= 12 o K o x 12 o K o x = o K o x = o K
z

z
z =0
z =0

The magnetic field B ( z ) at an arbitrary point along the along the z -axis either above and/or
below the x-y plane is calculated using B ( z ) = A ( z ) in Cartesian coordinates. Since
A ( z ) = Ax ( z ) x (only), then: B ( z ) = A ( z ) = Ax ( z ) x =

Ax ( z )
y
z

Thus:

Axabove ( z 0 )

z
1 y
B
y = 12 o K o
( z 0 ) = A ( z 0 ) = A ( z 0 ) x =
2
2
z
R +z

below
A
( z 0 ) y = 1 K z + 1 y
B below ( z 0 ) = Abelow ( z 0 ) = Axbelow ( z 0 ) x = x

2 o o
2
2
z
R +z

above

above

above
x

The figure below shows the magnetic field B ( z ) vs. z along the z -axis with a sheet current
K = K o x flowing on the surface of the finite disk of radius R, lying in the x-y plane:

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

27

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 16

Prof. Steven Errede

We now investigate what happens in the limit that the radius of the sheet current-carrying
circular disc, R , i.e. it becomes an infinite planar sheet current. We discover that the
magnetic vector potential A ( r ) associated with the sheet current K = K o x becomes infinite
(i.e. A ( r ) diverges):

lim A ( z ) =
R

1
o K o
2

R 2 + z 2 z 2 x

1
o K o
2

2 + z 2 z 2 x

whereas the boundary condition on the discontinuity in the normal derivative of A ( r ) across the
sheet current lying in the x-y plane at z = 0 still exists, and is well-behaved (i.e. finite):
Aabove ( z 0 )
Abelow ( z 0 )

= 12 o K o x 12 o K o x = o K o x = o K
z

z
z =0
z =0

We also discover that the magnetic field B ( r ) is also well-behaved (i.e. finite) and constant
independent of the height/depth z above/below the x-y plane (!!):

z
1 y = 12 o K o y
lim B above ( z 0 ) = 12 o K o
2
2
R
+z

z
+ 1 y = + 12 o K o y
lim B below ( z 0 ) = 12 o K o
2
2
R
+z

28

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois


2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.

Potrebbero piacerti anche