Magnetostatics- Introduction And Biot Savart Law - Example 2

  • Magnetostatics is the study of the magnetic effects of electric currents.

  • Biot-Savart law is used to determine the magnetic field produced by a steady current.

  • The law is given by the equation: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} dl $

  • Here, $ \mathbf{B} $ is the magnetic field, $ \mu_0 $ is the magnetic constant, $ \mathbf{I} $ is the current, $ \mathbf{r} $ is the position vector, and $ dl $ is the infinitesimal length element.

  • Let us solve an example to understand Biot-Savart law.

Example: Calculation of Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Wire

  • Consider a straight wire carrying a current of magnitude $ I $ .

  • We want to calculate the magnetic field at a point $ \mathbf{P} $ located at a distance $ r $ from the wire.

  • We can use the Biot-Savart law to determine the magnetic field.

  • The wire can be divided into small infinitesimal length elements $ dl $ .

  • The magnetic field produced by each element $ dl $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is given by: $ d\mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \frac{{\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} dl $

  • The magnetic field $ \mathbf{B} $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ can be obtained by integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire wire.

Example: Calculation of Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Wire (Continued)

  • Integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire wire, we get: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} dl $

  • Since the wire is straight, $ \mathbf{I} $ and $ \mathbf{r} $ are parallel.

  • Therefore, $ \mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r} = 0 $ and the cross product term becomes zero.

  • Simplifying the equation, we obtain: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0 I}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{dl}}{{r^2}} $

  • The integration over $ dl $ gives us the length of the wire, denoted by $ L $ .

  • Substituting this value, we get: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0 I}}{{4\pi r^2}} \int dl = \frac{{\mu_0 I L}}{{4\pi r^2}} $

Example: Calculation of Magnetic Field Due to a Straight Wire (Continued)

  • Finally, the magnitude of the magnetic field at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is given by: $ B = \frac{{\mu_0 I}}{{4\pi r^2}} $

  • This equation represents the magnetic field produced by a straight wire at a point located at a distance $ r $ from the wire.

  • The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule.

  • Wrap your right-hand fingers around the wire in the direction of the current.

  • The direction in which the thumb points gives the direction of the magnetic field.

  • The magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the wire.

Magnetic Field Due to a Current Loop

  • Now let’s consider a circular loop carrying a current of magnitude $ I $ .

  • We want to calculate the magnetic field at a point $ \mathbf{P} $ located on the axis of the loop.

  • The magnetic field at $ \mathbf{P} $ can be determined using the Biot-Savart law.

  • The loop can be divided into small infinitesimal current elements $ d\mathbf{I} $ .

  • The magnetic field produced by each element $ d\mathbf{I} $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is given by: $ d\mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \frac{{d\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} $

  • The magnetic field $ \mathbf{B} $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is obtained by integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire loop.

Magnetic Field Due to a Current Loop (Continued)

  • Integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire loop, we get: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{d\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} $

  • Since the loop is symmetric, the direction of $ d\mathbf{B} $ due to each element cancels out.

  • Thus, only the magnitude of the magnetic field at point $ \mathbf{P} $ needs to be calculated.

  • Simplifying the equation, we obtain: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0 I}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{d\mathbf{l} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} $

  • The integration is performed over the length $ d\mathbf{l} $ of the element.

  • The magnetic field $ \mathbf{B} $ is calculated by summing the contributions from all the elements of the loop.

  • The magnetic field lines are confined to the plane of the loop and form concentric circles around the axis.

  1. Applications of Biot-Savart Law
  • The Biot-Savart law is widely applicable in various fields, including physics, engineering, and medicine.
  • It is used to calculate the magnetic field produced by current-carrying wires, coils, and solenoids.
  • The law is also used in the design of electromagnetic devices such as transformers, inductors, and motors.
  • Biot-Savart law plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields.
  • It is utilized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create detailed images of the human body.
  • Electromagnetic levitation systems, maglev trains, and particle accelerators rely on the principles of Biot-Savart law.
  • The law helps predict the behavior of plasma, a state of matter that consists of charged particles immersed in a magnetic field.
  • By analyzing the magnetic field produced by currents, Biot-Savart law aids in studying the Earth’s magnetic field and its impact on various phenomena.
  • Overall, the Biot-Savart law serves as the foundation for many applications in the field of magnetostatics.
  1. Magnetic Field Due to a Circular Coil
  • A circular coil carrying a current generates a magnetic field similar to that of a bar magnet.
  • The magnetic field at the center of the coil is stronger compared to other points on the axis.
  • For a circular coil with $ N $ turns, the magnetic field at the center can be calculated using the formula: $ B = \frac{{\mu_0 N I}}{{2R}} $ where $ B $ is the magnetic field, $ \mu_0 $ is the magnetic constant, $ N $ is the number of turns, $ I $ is the current, and $ R $ is the radius of the coil.
  • The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule.
  • The magnetic field lines are circular and perpendicular to the plane of the coil.
  • Increasing the number of turns or the current in the coil strengthens the magnetic field.
  • Decreasing the radius of the coil also increases the magnetic field.
  • This information is crucial for various applications such as electromagnets, transformers, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  1. Magnetic Field Due to a Solenoid
  • A solenoid is a long, cylindrical coil with multiple turns closely packed together.
  • The magnetic field produced by a solenoid is similar to that of a bar magnet.
  • The magnetic field inside a solenoid is strong and nearly uniform.
  • The magnetic field outside the solenoid is weak and negligible.
  • The magnetic field inside a solenoid can be calculated using the formula: $ B = \mu_0 n I $ where $ B $ is the magnetic field, $ \mu_0 $ is the magnetic constant, $ n $ is the number of turns per unit length, and $ I $ is the current.
  • The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule.
  • The magnetic field lines inside the solenoid are parallel and closely spaced.
  • Applications of solenoids include electromechanical devices, such as actuators, relays, and valves.
  • Solenoids are also used in medical imaging, particle accelerators, and various scientific experiments.
  1. Ampere’s Circuital Law
  • Ampere’s circuital law relates the magnetic field produced by a current to the current enclosed by a closed loop.
  • The law states that the line integral of the magnetic field around a closed loop is equal to the product of the permeability of free space ( $ \mu_0 $ ) and the total current enclosed ( $ I_{\text{enc}} $ ): $ \oint \mathbf{B} \cdot d\mathbf{l} = \mu_0 I_{\text{enc}} $ where $ \mathbf{B} $ is the magnetic field, $ d\mathbf{l} $ is an infinitesimal length element along the closed loop, and $ I_{\text{enc}} $ is the total current enclosed by the loop.
  • Ampere’s circuital law is based on experimental observations and provides a more general way to calculate magnetic fields than the Biot-Savart law.
  • This law is particularly useful for calculating the magnetic field in symmetric systems with high symmetry, such as long straight wires, loops, and solenoids.
  • Ampere’s circuital law is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism and forms the basis for Maxwell’s equations.
  1. Magnetic Field of a Straight Wire - Infinite Length
  • Consider an infinitely long straight wire carrying a current $ I $ .
  • The magnetic field produced by the current can be determined using Ampere’s circuital law.
  • Assume a circular loop of radius $ r $ centered on the wire.
  • The magnetic field lines produced by the current are circular and concentric with the wire.
  • The magnetic field is constant along any circular loop of radius $ r $ around the wire.
  • Applying Ampere’s circuital law to the circular loop, we find: $ B \cdot 2\pi r = \mu_0 I_{\text{enc}} $ since the length of the loop is $ 2\pi r $ and the current enclosed is equal to $ I $ .
  • Solving for $ B $ , we obtain: $ B = \frac{{\mu_0 I}}{{2\pi r}} $
  • The direction of the magnetic field can be determined using the right-hand rule.
  1. Magnetic Field of a Straight Wire - Infinite Length (Continued)
  • The magnitude of the magnetic field produced by an infinitely long straight wire decreases with distance from the wire.
  • The magnetic field is inversely proportional to the distance from the wire ( $ 1/r $ ).
  • Far away from the wire, the magnetic field becomes weaker and can be considered negligible.
  • The magnetic field lines form concentric circles around the wire, with the wire being the axis of symmetry.
  • The right-hand rule can be used to determine the direction of the magnetic field.
  • Wrap your right-hand fingers around the wire in the direction of current flow.
  • The direction in which your thumb points gives the direction of the magnetic field.
  • The magnetic field due to a straight wire is fundamental in understanding the behavior of current-carrying conductors.
  1. Magnetic Field of a Current Loop - On-axis
  • Consider a circular current loop with a radius $ R $ and a current $ I $ .
  • We want to determine the magnetic field at a point on the axis of the loop.
  • The magnetic field on the axis of a current loop depends on the distance from the center of the loop ( $ z $ ).
  • Using Ampere’s circuital law and considering a circular loop of radius $ r $ on the axis, we find: $ B \cdot 2\pi r = \mu_0 I_{\text{enc}} $ where $ I_{\text{enc}} $ is the current enclosed by the loop.
  • For a current loop, the current enclosed is equal to the total current ( $ I_{\text{enc}} = I $ ).
  • Solving for $ B $ , we obtain: $ B = \frac{{\mu_0 I R^2}}{{2(R^2+z^2)^{3/2}}} $
  • The magnetic field on the axis of a current loop decreases with distance from the center.
  • The magnetic field is strongest at the center of the loop ( $ z = 0 $ ) and decreases as $ z $ increases.
  1. Magnetic Field of a Current Loop - On-axis (Continued)
  • The magnetic field on the axis of a current loop is inversely proportional to $ (R^2+z^2)^{3/2} $ .
  • As the distance from the center of the loop increases, the magnetic field becomes weaker.
  • The magnetic field at points far away from the loop can be considered negligible.
  • The direction of the magnetic field on the axis of a current loop can be determined using the right-hand rule.
  • Point your thumb in the direction of the current in the loop.
  • Your fingers will curl in the direction of the magnetic field.
  • The magnetic field lines on the axis of a current loop are symmetric and resemble the field lines of a bar magnet.
  • Understanding the magnetic field of a current loop is essential in the design and analysis of electromagnets, electric motors, and other electrical devices.
  1. Magnetic Field of a Current Loop - Off-axis
  • When the observation point is off the axis of a current loop, determining the magnetic field becomes more complex.
  • The magnetic field at a point off the axis of a current loop depends on both the lateral distance from the loop ( $ x $ ) and the vertical distance ( $ z $ ).
  • The magnetic field cannot be easily calculated using a simple formula.
  • Numerical calculations or approximations are typically used to determine the magnetic field at off-axis points.
  • The configuration of a current loop combined with the position of the observation point affects the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field.
  • The study of the magnetic field of a current loop off-axis involves advanced mathematical techniques, such as integration and vector calculus.
  • Engineering tools and software can be used to analyze the magnetic field for specific configurations and position scenarios.
  • The magnetic field produced by a current loop off-axis is essential in understanding magnetism and its applications in various fields.
  1. Magnetic Field Inside a Toroid
  • A toroid is a hollow, circular-shaped object that resembles a doughnut.
  • It is often made of a ferromagnetic material and has a wire wound around it to form multiple turns.
  • The magnetic field inside a toroid is relatively strong and uniform.
  • Inside the toroid, the magnetic field lines are circular and concentric with the axis of the toroid.
  • The magnetic field inside a toroid can be calculated using Ampere’s circuital law.
  • Applying the law to a circular loop inside the toroid, we find: $ B \cdot 2\pi r = \mu_0 I_{\text{enc}} $ where $ r $ is the radius of the loop and $ I_{\text{enc}} $ is the current enclosed by the loop.
  • For a toroid, the current enclosed by the loop is the same for all loops and is equal to the total current ( $ I_{\text{enc}} = I $ ).
  • Thus, the magnetic field inside a toroid is given by: $ B = \frac{{\mu_0 n I}}{{2\pi r}} $ where $ n $ is the number of turns per unit length of the toroid.
  • The magnetic field inside a toroid is used in transformers, inductors, and other electromagnetic devices.

Magnetic Field Due to a Current Ring

  • Consider a circular ring carrying a current $ I $ .

  • We want to calculate the magnetic field at a point $ \mathbf{P} $ located on the axis of the ring.

  • The magnetic field at $ \mathbf{P} $ can be determined using the Biot-Savart law.

  • The ring can be divided into small infinitesimal current elements $ d\mathbf{I} $ .

  • The magnetic field produced by each element $ d\mathbf{I} $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is given by: $ d\mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \frac{{d\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} $

  • The magnetic field $ \mathbf{B} $ at point $ \mathbf{P} $ is obtained by integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire ring.

Magnetic Field Due to a Current Ring (Continued)

  • Integrating $ d\mathbf{B} $ over the entire ring, we get: $ \mathbf{B} = \frac{{\mu_0}}{{4\pi}} \int \frac{{d\mathbf{I} \times \mathbf{r}}}{{r^3}} $

  • Since the ring is symmetric, the direction of $ d\mathbf{B} $ due to each element cancels out.

  • Thus, only the magnitude of the magnetic field at point $ \