FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field

In summary, the magnetic field as a linear function of time is given byB = Bo\frac{t}{/tau} z hatBo and tau constants.Assuming the scalar potential is a constant, find E from the above result for the vector potential. Check that your answer is consistent with the diff form of faradays law.The Attempt at a SolutionWe take the curl of B on the LHS and on the RHS we have:\nabla \times (\nabla \times A ) Eventually we will get to this \nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon
  • #1
Nusc
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Homework Statement



In a certain region, the magnetic field as a linear function of time is given by

[tex]
B = Bo \frac{t}{/tau} z hat
[/tex]
Bo and tau constants.

A)FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field.
B)Assuming the scalar potential is a constant, find E from the above result for the vector potential. Check that your answer is consistent with the diff form of faradays law

Homework Equations


[tex]
\nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}
[/tex]

[tex]
\mathbf{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4 \pi} \int \frac{\mathbf{J}(\mathbf{rsingle-quote},t_r)}{\cal{R}} d\tausingle-quote
[/tex]

[tex]
t_r \equiv t - \frac{\cal{R}}{c}
[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]
B= \nabla \times A
[/tex]

We take the curl of B on the LHS and on the RHS we have
[tex]
\nabla \times (\nabla \times A )
[/tex]

Eventually we will get to this [tex]
\nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}
[/tex]This is assuming were in the Lorentz Gauge, we don't know if we are. Or do we assume we are? We have to satisfy E = -delV -dA/dt but we don't know either of those quantities.
 
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  • #2
say if

kt y-hat = K x xhat

What mathematical operation would I apply to show that
K = kt z-hat

I don't thin kthat is even relevent
 
Last edited:
  • #3
A) Take curl(BXr)/2 and see what you get.
 
  • #4
Nusc said:

Homework Statement



In a certain region, the magnetic field as a linear function of time is given by

[tex]
B = Bo \frac{t}{/tau} z hat
[/tex]
Bo and tau constants.

A)FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field.
B)Assuming the scalar potential is a constant, find E from the above result for the vector potential. Check that your answer is consistent with the diff form of faradays law

Homework Equations


[tex]
\nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}
[/tex]

[tex]
\mathbf{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4 \pi} \int \frac{\mathbf{J}(\mathbf{rsingle-quote},t_r)}{\cal{R}} d\tausingle-quote
[/tex]

[tex]
t_r \equiv t - \frac{\cal{R}}{c}
[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]
B= \nabla \times A
[/tex]

We take the curl of B on the LHS and on the RHS we have
[tex]
\nabla \times (\nabla \times A )
[/tex]

Eventually we will get to this [tex]
\nabla^2 \mathbf{A} - \mu_0 \epsilon_0 \frac{\partial^2 \mathbf{A}}{\partial t^2} = -\mu_0 \mathbf{J}
[/tex]


This is assuming were in the Lorentz Gauge, we don't know if we are. Or do we assume we are? We have to satisfy E = -delV -dA/dt but we don't know either of those quantities.

The simples way to go about this is to simply write explicitly [tex]
B= \nabla \times A
[/tex]
in cartesian coordinates.

You will get simple equations for A_x, A_y and A_z. It should be easy to pick functions A-x, A_y, A_z that satisfy those equations. You don't need anything else.
 
  • #5
nrqed said:
The simples way to go about this is to simply write explicitly [tex]
B= \nabla \times A
[/tex]
in cartesian coordinates.

You will get simple equations for A_x, A_y and A_z. It should be easy to pick functions A-x, A_y, A_z that satisfy those equations. You don't need anything else.

Doing this would only yield

dA_y/dx - dA_x/dy = Bo(t/tau) since B has only z-components.

Solving this differential equation would still give unknown A_y A_x.

There should be an explicit way of doing this, no?
 
  • #6
Remember that the vector potential is not physically different even if you add a gradient of a function. So you have a certain freedom available to pick the solution.
 
  • #7
Nusc said:
Doing this would only yield

dA_y/dx - dA_x/dy = Bo(t/tau) since B has only z-components.

Solving this differential equation would still give unknown A_y A_x.

There should be an explicit way of doing this, no?

Of course A is defined up to gauge transformations only so many different A's give the same physics. This is why the question asks you to find a simple expression for A. Just pick the simplest A that yields the correct B

(don't forget to make sure that the other components of the equation also work)
 
  • #8
OKay problem solved. You can close this thread.
 

FAQ: FInd a simple expression for the vector potential which will yield this field

1. What is a vector potential?

A vector potential is a mathematical function used in physics to describe the magnetic field of a system. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.

2. How is the vector potential related to the magnetic field?

The vector potential is related to the magnetic field through the equation B = ∇ x A, where B is the magnetic field, ∇ is the gradient operator, and A is the vector potential. This means that the magnetic field can be calculated from the vector potential.

3. What does it mean to find a "simple expression" for the vector potential?

Finding a simple expression for the vector potential means finding a mathematical formula that is easy to understand and work with. This can involve simplifying the original formula or finding a more intuitive representation of the vector potential.

4. Can the vector potential be used to calculate other properties of a system?

Yes, the vector potential can be used to calculate other properties of a system, such as the magnetic flux or the magnetic moment. It is a useful tool in many areas of physics, including electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

5. How can I find a simple expression for the vector potential?

Finding a simple expression for the vector potential involves using mathematical techniques such as integration or solving differential equations. It may also involve using physical principles and simplifying assumptions to arrive at a more manageable equation.

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