How to use geometrical symmetries -- general advice? (Vector potential)

  • #1
LeoJakob
24
2
The following is an example from my script. I always have trouble identifying useful symmetries. Can someone explain to me why (for example) the vector potential doesn't have a ##z## dependence? I understand that there is no ##\varphi## dependency.
I don't understand why the field of ##\vec{A}## has to be parallel to the ##z## axis. What about ##d^{3} \overrightarrow{r^{\prime}}##??? Is there a way to show mathematically that the vector potential is independent of the two variables ##z\varphi##?
In general, I have problems identifying symmetries and using them correctly.

Magnetic flux density of an infinitely long hollow cylinder

The hollow cylinder is homogeneously traversed by the current ##I##. Calculate the magnetic flux ##\vec{B}(\vec{r})## as the curl of the vector potential ##\vec{A}(\vec{r})##.

$$
\begin{aligned}
\vec{A}(\vec{r}) & =\frac{\mu_{0}}{4 \pi} \int \limits_{V} \frac{\vec{j}\left(\overrightarrow{r^{\prime}}\right)}{\left|\vec{r}-\overrightarrow{r^{\prime}}\right|} d^{3} \overrightarrow{r^{\prime}} \\
\vec{j}(\vec{r}) & =j \vec{e}_{z}
\end{aligned}
$$

Use cylindrical coordinates ##\vec{r}=(\rho, \varphi, z)##. Due to the symmetry, we have:
$$
\vec{A}(\vec{r})=A(\rho, \varphi, z) \vec{e}_{z}=A(\rho) \vec{e}_{z}
$$
 
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  • #2
If you have an infinitely long cylindrical object then the field can't depend on either ##z## or ##\varphi## because the charge and current densities are symmetrical under rotation around the ##z## axis and translation along it. If the sources are symmetric like that, how can the fields be otherwise? If they were (e.g.) weaker at some ##z=z_0##, why there?

So the ##\vec B## field is cylindrically symmetric. What ways can a vector field be cylindrically symmetric? What does that tell you about ##\vec A##?
 
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  • #3
There is no way to generally prove that the vector potential does not depend on particular coordinates since it is always possible to perform a gauge transformation ##\vec A \to \vec A + \nabla \phi## with the same resulting field for any scalar function ##\phi##.

Any symmetry argument must be based on this particular expression for the vector potential.
 
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FAQ: How to use geometrical symmetries -- general advice? (Vector potential)

What are geometrical symmetries in the context of vector potential?

Geometrical symmetries refer to the invariance of a physical system or a mathematical object under certain transformations, such as rotations, translations, or reflections. In the context of vector potential, these symmetries help simplify the equations governing electromagnetic fields by reducing the number of variables and constraints needed to describe the system.

How can I identify the symmetries of a system?

To identify the symmetries of a system, you need to analyze the physical or mathematical properties that remain unchanged under specific transformations. This often involves examining the system's geometry, boundary conditions, and governing equations. Techniques such as group theory and symmetry operations (rotations, reflections, translations) can be used to systematically identify these symmetries.

How do geometrical symmetries simplify the calculation of vector potential?

Geometrical symmetries simplify the calculation of vector potential by reducing the complexity of the problem. Symmetrical properties allow you to use fewer coordinates or exploit symmetrical boundary conditions, leading to simpler differential equations. This can result in analytical solutions or more efficient numerical methods, making it easier to solve for the vector potential.

What are some common examples of symmetries used in vector potential problems?

Common examples of symmetries include:- Cylindrical symmetry: Used in problems involving circular coils or solenoids.- Spherical symmetry: Applicable in cases like point charges or spherical charge distributions.- Planar symmetry: Relevant for infinite planes of charge or current sheets.- Translational symmetry: Useful for systems with repeating structures, such as crystals or waveguides.These symmetries help reduce the dimensionality and complexity of the equations governing the vector potential.

Can you provide a practical example of using geometrical symmetries to solve a vector potential problem?

Consider the case of calculating the vector potential for a long, straight current-carrying wire. Due to the cylindrical symmetry around the wire, the vector potential will only depend on the radial distance from the wire and not on the angular or axial coordinates. By applying Ampère's Law and using the symmetry, we can simplify the problem to a one-dimensional differential equation, which can be solved to find the vector potential as a function of the radial distance.

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