Magnetic field of an infinite current sheet : Amperes law

In summary, the conversation revolved around finding the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet using Amperes law. The final answer was deemed correct, but there were doubts about the process used to get to it. Some key points discussed were the representation of surface current using \vec{K}, the difference between d\vec{s} and d\vec{l}, the importance of defining a coordinate system, and the correct orientation of the loop to accurately determine the field. The concept of symmetry was also emphasized, specifically in regards to the cancellation of fields parallel to the current and the explanation for B_1l=-B_2l.
  • #1
Nyasha
127
0
I was asked to find the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet due to amperes law. Is my attempt to the solution correct ? The final answer is correct, but l am doubtful of how l got there.
 

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  • #2
1. This is a surface current, so it would be represented by [itex]\vec{K}[/itex] not [itex]\vec{J}[/itex].
2. How did [itex]\int\vec{J} \cdot d\vec{s}[/itex] turn into [itex]\int\vec{J} \cdot d\vec{l}[/itex]. [itex]d\vec{l}[/itex] is a line element around the circuit, while [itex]d\vec{s}[/itex] is an area element of the enclosed surface. You can't turn one into the other.
3. It helps to define a coordinate system, this way you can loose [itex]d\vec{l}[/itex] in favor of [itex]\hat{x}dx[/itex], [itex]\hat{y}dy[/itex], or [itex]\hat{z}dz[/itex], and the same for [itex]d/vec{s}[/itex]. This is will avoid confusion when trying to determine [itex]\vec{B}\cdot d\vec{l}[/itex]. [itex]d/vec{l}[/itex] is pointing in the opposite direction along [itex]C_2[/itex], not that
4. This is the most important part. The way you drew the loop, [itex]\vec{J}\cdot d/vec{s}=0[/itex]. What that tells you is that there is no field parallel to the current.
5. The way you should have drawn the loop is so that the loop is perpendicular to the current. Then [itex]\vec{J}\cdot d\vec{s}=Kda[/itex] and [itex]\int\vec{J}\cdot d\vec{s}=Kl[/itex]. This tells you that the field is perpendicular to the surface current.
6. You can't assume that the field is parallel to the plane, so the C2 and C3 integrals aren't necessarily 0. What happens is that the fields are the same along both lines, but because they are in opposite directions, they cancel.

I have a few more things to say, but my laptop is running out of power, I'll continue in the morning.
 
  • #3
7. You say [itex]B_1l=-B_2l[/itex] but offer no explanation. The explanation is that, by the right hand rule, the components of the fields parallel to the plane and perpendicular to the current have opposite signs and symmetry says they have to have equal magnitudes.
8. You have to argue that by symmetry that there is no field perpendicular to the plane because there the uniform current distribution will cancel out everything except the component parallel to the plate and perpendicular to the the current.
 

Related to Magnetic field of an infinite current sheet : Amperes law

What is a magnetic field of an infinite current sheet?

The magnetic field of an infinite current sheet is a theoretical model that describes the magnetic field around a sheet of infinitely thin current. It is used to simplify calculations and is often used in electromagnetism.

What is Amperes law?

Amperes law is a fundamental law in electromagnetism that describes the relationship between the magnetic field and the electric current. It states that the magnetic field around a closed loop is directly proportional to the current passing through the loop.

How is Amperes law applied to the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet?

Amperes law can be applied to the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet by using the concept of a closed loop. The law states that the magnetic field around a closed loop is directly proportional to the current passing through the loop. In the case of an infinite current sheet, the current passing through the loop is constant, so the magnetic field is also constant.

What are the limitations of using the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet model?

The magnetic field of an infinite current sheet model is a simplified version of reality and has some limitations. It assumes that the current is uniformly distributed, the sheet is infinitely thin, and the magnetic field is constant at all points. These assumptions may not hold true in real-life scenarios.

How is the magnetic field of an infinite current sheet used in practical applications?

The magnetic field of an infinite current sheet model is often used in practical applications, such as in designing magnetic shields and magnetic sensors. It is also used in theoretical calculations to simplify complex electromagnetism problems and make them more manageable.

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