How is Magnetic Vector Potential Calculated for a Current Loop on the X-axis?

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the vector potential on the x-axis for a current loop carrying a current in the phi direction using the equation \vec{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int_{V'}{\frac{\vec{J}dV'}{R}}. The solution involves integrating over phi and making substitutions to get the final answer of A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0 Ia}{\pi(x+a)} (\frac{2E(k)-(2-k^2)K(k)}{k^2}). One mistake was missing cos(phi) in the integral.
  • #1
Matterwave
Science Advisor
Gold Member
3,971
329

Homework Statement


Find the vector potential [tex]\vec{A}(x,0,0)[/tex] (i.e. on the x-axis) for a current loop of radius a, carrying a current I in the [tex]\phi[/tex] direction.

Homework Equations


[tex]\vec{A} = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int_{V'}{\frac{\vec{J}dV'}{R}}[/tex]
Where R is the distance from the source point to the field point. The coordinates are set up so that all primes denote the source and all non-primed denote the field point. (x means the x position of the field point and x' means the x position of the source point)


The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, so the current flows in the [tex]\phi[/tex] direction so my vector potential should also be in the phi direction. i.e.
[tex]\vec{A}=A_\phi \hat\phi[/tex]

I'm on the x-axis so
[tex]R=\sqrt{(x-x')^2+y'^2}=\sqrt{(x-acos(\phi'))^2+a^2sin^2(\phi')}[/tex]

Expanding out that expression and using the trig identity
[tex]sin^2(x)+cos^2(x)=1[/tex]

I get:
[tex]R = \sqrt{x^2-2axcos(\phi')+a^2}[/tex]

So, I only have to integrate over [tex]\phi[/tex] because the radius of the loop is constant. So my integral is set up in this manner:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{Iad\phi'}{\sqrt{x^2-2xacos(\phi')+a^2}}[/tex]

Where the a appears as is customary when integrating the angle in polar coordinates. I play around with it a bit more to try to get it into a form where I can use elliptic integrals:

[tex]\Rightarrow A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-2xa-2xacos(\phi')}}[/tex]
[tex] = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-2xa(1+cos(\phi'))}}[/tex]
[tex] = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{(x+a)^2-4xacos^2(\frac{\phi'}{2})}}[/tex]
[tex] = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{4\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{0}^{2\pi}\frac{d\phi}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{4xa}{(x+a)^2}cos^2(\frac{\phi}{2})}}[/tex]

I now make the substitutions:
[tex]k^2=\frac{4xa}{(x+a)^2}[/tex]
[tex]t^2=cos^2(\frac{\phi'}{2})[/tex]

I find dt in terms of [tex]d\phi'[/tex] and do the usual thing and get finally:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{2\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{-1}^{1}\frac{dt}{\sqrt{(1-t^2)(1-k^2t^2)}}[/tex]

Noticing that the integrand is even, I can therefore write:


[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)}\int\limits_{0}^{1}\frac{dt}{\sqrt{(1-t^2)(1-k^2t^2)}}[/tex]

My integral is an elliptical integral of the first kind K(k) so my final answer is:


[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)}K(k)[/tex]

But herein lies the problem. That's the wrong answer. According to my professor, my integral should consist of not only elliptical integrals of the first kind, but also the second kind E(k). And the general solution should be:

[tex]A_\phi (x,0,0) = \frac{\mu_0Ia}{\pi(x+a)} (\frac{2E(k)-(2-k^2)K(k)}{k^2})[/tex]

Which is significantly more complicated than my solution. For the life of me, I can't figure out where I went wrong...someone help please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Dont forget that the components of the infinitesimal vector are :[tex]d\vec r = (-a\sin\phi d\phi,a\cos\phi d\phi)[/tex]

So you missed \cos\phi in you integral and it correctly should be:

[tex]A_{\phi}(x,0,0)=\frac{\mu_0 I }{4\pi}\int_0^{2\pi}\frac{a\cos\phi'\,d\phi'}{\sqrt{...}}[/tex]
 

FAQ: How is Magnetic Vector Potential Calculated for a Current Loop on the X-axis?

What is the Magnetic Vector Potential?

The Magnetic Vector Potential is a mathematical concept used in electromagnetism to describe the magnetic field in terms of a vector field. It is closely related to the magnetic vector potential, and is often used in equations and calculations involving magnetic fields.

How is the Magnetic Vector Potential calculated?

The Magnetic Vector Potential is calculated using the Biot-Savart Law, which states that the magnetic field at a point is proportional to the current flowing through a nearby wire or circuit. It is also related to the magnetic permeability of the surrounding medium and the distance from the current source.

What are the applications of the Magnetic Vector Potential?

The Magnetic Vector Potential is used in a variety of applications, including in the design and analysis of electric motors, generators, and transformers. It is also used in particle accelerators, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and in the study of plasma physics.

What is the relationship between the Magnetic Vector Potential and the magnetic field?

The magnetic field can be derived from the Magnetic Vector Potential using the formula B = ∇ x A, where B is the magnetic field and A is the Magnetic Vector Potential. This relationship is useful for calculating the magnetic field in complex situations where the Biot-Savart Law may not be applicable.

What are some common misconceptions about the Magnetic Vector Potential?

One common misconception about the Magnetic Vector Potential is that it is a physical vector that can be measured directly. In reality, it is a mathematical construct used to simplify calculations involving magnetic fields. Also, some people may mistakenly believe that the Magnetic Vector Potential is the same as the magnetic potential, but they are two separate concepts with different mathematical representations.

Back
Top