Need help coming up with dl in cylindrical coords.

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In summary, the conversation is about finding the force on a wire due to a magnetic field produced by another wire running along the x-axis. The equation for the magnetic field is given as B = μI/(2πs) with s representing the distance from the wire. The individual is having trouble finding the dl needed for integration, and is seeking help to find a solution. One suggestion is to use the equation B = μI/(2πy) for the magnetic field at a specific height y, and then use either F = ILB or dF = IBdL to find the force on the wire. The latter method would require expressing dL as (cos θ)*dx to get an element of length perpendicular to B
  • #1
vwishndaetr
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The whole problem consists of several parts, but my issue is to come up with a dl for the piece of wire shown.

Im trying to find the force on the wire due to a magnetic field produced by another wire running along the x-axis (not shown in pic).

[tex]\vect{B} = \frac{\mu_0I}{2\pi s}\hat{\phi}[/tex]

I am trying to get my dl x B so I can integrate, but I cannot come up with a dl. The reason I'm having trouble is because I know in cylindrical, for dl, both phi hat and s hat change along integration path for dl.

Someone please help I think I've tried every method except for the one that works. :(
 
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  • #2
I'm interested in this. It seems to me you need to use
B = μI/(2πr) = μI/(2πy) for the magnetic field at height y caused by the wire running along the x-axis. And for the force on the wire, wouldn't you just use
F = ILB or dF = IBdL ? You would then have to express dL as (cos θ)*dx to get an element of length perpendicular to B.
 

FAQ: Need help coming up with dl in cylindrical coords.

What is the formula for dl in cylindrical coordinates?

The formula for dl in cylindrical coordinates is dl = rdφ + dzk, where r is the radial distance, φ is the angular coordinate, and z is the height coordinate.

How do I convert dl from Cartesian coordinates to cylindrical coordinates?

To convert dl from Cartesian coordinates (dx, dy, dz) to cylindrical coordinates, you can use the formula dl = rdx + rdy + dzk, where r is the radial distance.

How do I find the magnitude of dl in cylindrical coordinates?

The magnitude of dl in cylindrical coordinates can be found using the formula |dl| = √(dl · dl) = √(r²dφ² + dz²).

Can dl have a negative value in cylindrical coordinates?

Yes, dl can have a negative value in cylindrical coordinates. This typically occurs when the direction of dl is in the opposite direction of the coordinate system, such as when dl is pointing in the negative z-direction.

What is the physical significance of dl in cylindrical coordinates?

dl in cylindrical coordinates represents the infinitesimal displacement vector along a curve in three-dimensional space. It is commonly used in vector calculus to calculate line integrals and is an important concept in electromagnetism and fluid mechanics.

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