Electromagnetism Problems and Solutions

Drew Pearce

August 19, 2013

Problem Set One
Section A
Problems
1. A spherical charge distribution has a volume charge density that is a function only of r,
the distance from the centre of the distribution. Mathematically, prq. If prq is
"
0 (i.e a constant) for 0 r R

0 for r R
then apply Gauss Law to determine the electrostatic field as a function of r. Integrate the
result to obtain an expression for the potential, prq, subject to the restriction p8q 0.

r5, 5s

2. Consider an infinitely long and thin line of charge with charge density 5 nCm1 . Calculate
the electric potenital difference 12 between two points in air at radial distances 1 mm
and 3 mm from the line.

Solutions
1. Gauss Law states that:

E
0
Which in this situation (Since the system is spherically symmetric E 0 and E 0):

1 dpr2 Einside q

r2 dr 0
r
2 0 r12 1
pr Einside q dr
0 0
r0
Einside
30

For the outside:

1 dpr2 Eoutside q

r2 dr 0
R
2 0 r12 1
pr Eoutside q dr
0 0
R3 0
Eoutside 2
3r 0
Now to find the potential, starting with the outside:
r 3
R 0 1
outside 12
dr
8 3r 0
3 r
R 0
outside
3r1 0 8
R3 0

3r0

2
 Now for the inside:
r
inside Edr1
8
R r
R3 0 1 r0 1
12
dr dr
8 3r 0 R 30
R2 0 R2 0 r2 0
inside `
3r0 60 60
0 2 2
r3R r s
60

2. This situation has cylindrical symmetry and thus the logical choice of Gaussian surface is
a cylinder, shown below:

We will write the integral form of Gauss Law:

h
EdS
0

h
EdS ` EdS
caps curved 0

The integration of the caps will be zero as, from the symmetry , E K dS, and for the
curved surface E kdSthus:

h
E dS
curved 0
h
Ep2rhq
0

E
20 r

E r
20 r

3
 The potential difference then is:
r2

12 dr
r1 20 r

r1
ln
20 r2
98.8 Volts

Section B

Problems
1
1. Consider the vector function v r:
r2

(a) Use the expression for the divergence of a field in spherical polar coordinates to work
out the divergence of this vector field, is this to be expected?

r4, 2s

(b) Consider the divergence theorem:

p vqdV v dS

Assuming the integration is performed over a sphere of radius R determine what the
right hand side equals.

r5s

(c) What can be concluded about the divergence of this vector field as a result of the
above?

r4s

Solutions

1. (a) We will now perform the divergence:

1 d ` 2
v r vr
r2 dr
1 d 2 1
v 2 r 2
r dr r
v 0

This is contrary to what we would expect because the vector field points radially
outwards everywhere and thus should have a non-zero divergence.

4
 (b)

p vqdV v dS

p vqdV vdS

1 2
p vqdV r sin dd
r2
2
p vqdV sin dd
0 0

p vqdV 4

(c) From the above we would find that 0 4 . This is a contradiction which arises from
the fact that at r 0 we find that the divergence we found involved an undefined
function, namely 00 . We also note the right hand side is independent of the size of
the sphere, thus we can conclude the entire contribution of the divergence must be
arising from the point r 0. This is exactly the sort of behaviour exhibited by the
Dirac delta function, thus we can conclude that the divergence of this field will be:
v 4 3 prq

Problem Sheet Two

Section A
Problems
1. The potential prq at a position r due to a point charge q at position r1 is:
q 1
prq
40 |r r1 |
Calculate and hence the electric field E.
r3s
2. Charges `2 nC and 2 nC are separated by 3 cm along the z-axis. Calculate the mag-
nitude of the electric dipole moment. Calculate the electrostatic potential at r 37 cm
and 30 from the z-axis.
r2s
3. A line of length L, having a uniform charge per unit length, lies parallel to the z-axis
with the x-y plane bisecting the line.
(a) Find the potential at a point in the x-y plane and at a distance R from the centre of
the line.1
r6s
(b) Hence find the three components of the Electrical field E at this point.
r4s
1
Hint: Write down the potential due to an element of the line of length dz. Remember that hyperbolic
functions are useful substitutions for this type of integral.

5
Solutions
d d
1. Since the potential is only a function r, d 0 and d 0 thus:

d

dr

q d 1

40 dr |r r1 |

q pr r1 q

40 pr r1 q3

Which from the definition of potential (E ) we can say that the electric field will
be:
q pr r1 q
E
40 pr r1 q3

2. The dipole moment is defined as p qd with a direction from the negative charge to a
the positive charge. In this case:

|p| p2 109 q p3 102 q 6 1011 Cm

The electrostatic potential from a dipole is given by:

1 p cos
40 r2

. Which yields a value for the potential at the given position is: 3.413 Volts

3. (a) A diagram of the system is shown below:

We can write the potenital contribution from the infinitesimal line element, dz, as:

1 dz
d ?
40 z 2 ` r2

6
 Thus the potential is:
L
2 dz
prq ?
40 L z2` r2
2

z L
2
prq sinh1
40 r L
2
1 L
`
sinh 2r
prq
20

(b) We know that E thus:

` L
sinh1 2r
E
20 r

From this we can see that E E 0 leaving:

d 1 L
Er sinh
20 dr 2r

L
b
20 r2 L2 ` 4
r2

This is the electric field on a finite line charge, it is reassuring to note that if we took
the limit of the expression as L tended to 8 then we would recover the infinite line
charge expression.

Section B
Problems
1. An electrostatic field is expressed as E rr. What is the charge density corresponding
to this field?

r2s

2. A sphere, of radius a, of uniform (i.e constant) charge density f is situated in free space.

(a) Use the integral form of Gausss law to find the electric field Eprq inside the sphere
at distance r a from its centre.
r5s
(b) Show that inside the sphere the electrostatic potential is:
f
prq p3a2 r2 q for r a
60

r5s
(c) Use the result in Part b to verify the result obtained in Part a.
r3s

7
Solutions
1. Using the Differential form of Gauss Law:

E
0
1 dpr3 q

r2 dr 0
30

2. (a) The integral form of Gauss Law is:

`4 3

3 r
E dS
0

The symmetry tells us that E kdS and that it lies in the radial direction, thus:
`
2 f 43 r3
Er p4r q
0
f r
Er
30
f r
E r
30

(b) Outside the sphere the potential satisfies Laplaces Equation:

2 Outside 0
A
Outside ` B
r
As r tends to the infinity the potential must become equivalent to a point charge:
Thus:
f a3
Outside
30 r
f
2 Inside
0

d r2 dInside
dr f r 2

dr 0
r
dInside f r12 1
r2 dr
dr 0 0
f r 3

2 dInside
r
dr 30
dInside f r

dr 3
r r0 1
dInside 1 f r 1
1
dr dr
0 dr 0 30
f r 2
Inside prq Inside p0q
60

8
 We require that the potential have no discontinuities and thus Inside |a must be equal
to Outside |a .
f a2 f a2
` Inside p0q
30 60
a2
f
This implies that the constant is Inside p0q 2 0
. This means the potential inside
is given as:
f 2
3a r2

Inside
30
As Required.
(c) To do this use the relation: E :

d
E
dr
f r
E r
30

Which is same as part a).

Problem Set Three

Section A
Problems
1. Consider an electric dipole moment p at the origin in free space. Choose the z-axis as the
direction of alignment of the dipole and consider a point a distance r away, making an
angle with the z-axis.

(a) What is the electric potential of the dipole at the point r in terms of r and ?
r2s
(b) What is the relationship between electric field E and potential ?
r2s
(c) Find the electric field and its magnitude due to the dipole.
r3, 2s

2. A sphere of radius a is earthed and placed in a uniform electric field E0 parallel to the
z axis. The field is disturbed in the vicinity of the sphere. A claim is made that the
electrostatic potential outside the sphere, in spherical polar coordinates, is given by:
a 3
E0 r cos 1
r

Using this claimed potential:

(a) Determine 2 outside the sphere.

r3s
(b) Write down on the surface of the sphere and find E for distances r a.

9
 r1, 1s
(c) State, with reasoning, whether the claim is justified.
r1s

Solutions
1. (a) This is derived in the notes:

1 rp 1 p cos
3

40 r 40 r2

(b) The relation is: E

(c) We use the above relation:

p cos d 1 p d
E 2
r 3
pcos q
40 dr r 40 r d
2p cos p sin
E 3
r `
40 r 40 r3
p
2 cos r ` sin
40 r3

The magnitude is given by:

p a
|E| 4 cos2 ` sin2
40 r3
p a
|E| 3 cos2 ` 1
40 r3

2. (a) In spherical polar the Laplacian is given by:

B2

2 1 B 2 B 1 B B 1
2 r ` 2 sin ` 2 2
r Br Br r sin B B r sin B2

There is no azimuthal angle dependence, thus the third term is zero:

B a 3
E0 cos 2 `1
Br r
a 3
B
E0 r sin 1
B r
3
2 1 B 2a 2
2 E0 cos `r
r Br r
a 3
1 B 2
` 2 E0 r sin 1
r sin B r
3
1 a3

2a 2
2 E0 cos 2E 0 cos
r4 r r r4
2a3 2 2 2a3

2 E0 cos 4 ` ` 4
r r r r
2 0

10
 (b) paq 0 The field is given by:

E
B 1 B
r
Br r B
a 3 a 3
E0 cos 2 ` 1 r ` E0 sin 1
r r
For r a: E E0 cos r E0 sin
E E0 z

This is result is satisfying as the field tends to the original field for distances very far
away from the sphere.

(c) Yes it is. The potential satisfies the Laplace equation where there is no charge density
(outside sphere) and satisfies the boundary condition. We also know that because of
the uniqueness theorem of the Laplace equation (which states that there is only one
potential satisfying the equation and the boundary conditions.)

Section B

Problems

1. Find the monopole and dipole moment about the origin of a line, with length 2a, having
a charge density given by:

"
pz ` z 2 qpxqpyq For a z a
prq
0 otherwise

where and are constants and is the Dirac delta function.

r15s

Solutions

1. The monopole moment is simply the total charge which is given by:

Q pr1 qdV 1
V
8 8 a
pxqdx pyqdy pz ` z 2 qdz
8 8 a
1 2 1 3 a

z ` z
2 3 a
2 3
a
3

11
 The Dipole Moment is defined as:

p r1 pr1 qdV 1
V

p z pz 2 ` z 3 q dz

1 3 1 4 a

p z z ` z
3 4 a
2 3
p a z
3

Problem Set Four

Section A
Problems

1. If liquid helium has a density of 145 kgm3 and relative permittivity r 1.0556.
What is the atomic polarisability of helium?

r5s

2. A long cylinder of radius a, consisting of a dielectric with permittivity r , is surrounded

by a metal conductor of radius R whose surface is earthed. If the charge density inside
the dielectric is uniform and equal to f , calculate the potential within the cylinders at
distances:

(a) a r R
(b) 0 r a

Solutions

1. We use the Clausius-Mosotti equation, namely:

30 r 1

N r ` 2

We also know that N . Thus this means the polarisability is 2.23 1041 Fm2
mHe

2. We use Gausss Law in a Dielectric medium:

f
E
0 r

The Gaussian surface for this situation is a cylinder aligned with the cylinder described.
We use the symmetry of the situation to deduce that the electric field is only radial in
direction.

12
 (a)
r
f r
rEout dr

0a 0 r r
f r
rEout ` 0 dr
0 0 r a
f a2
Eout r
20 r r
r
out Eout dr
R
f a2

R
ln
20 r r

(b) Similarly:

1 d f
prEin q
r dr 0 r
f r
Ein r
20 r
r
out E dr
R
a r
Eout dr Ein dr
R a
a
f a2

f r12 R
` ln
40 r r 20 r a
2
f 2 R 2
a 1 ` ln r
40 r a2

Section B
Problems

1. The energy associated with an electric field in volume V of free space where D 0 E, is:

1
U 0 E E dV 1
2
V

Use this expression to find the electrostatic energy stored in a parallel plate air capacitor
in terms of plate area, A, separation d and the internal electric field strength E. Hence
find the energy in the capacitor in terms of the potential difference across the plates and
its capacitance.

r12, 3s

2. A slab of dielectric ,relative permittivity r , is placed between the plates of a capacitor as

shown. The charge on the plate is Q and you may ignore edge effects.

13
 (a) Find the values of D,E,P inside the dielectric and the potential drop across it in
terms of Q the charge on one of the plates.
(b) Hence, find the potential across the plates.
(c) Deduce the capacitance of this structure.

Solutions
1.

1
U 0 E E dV 1
2 V

1
U 0 E 2 dV 1
2 V
1 2
U 0 E Ad
2
V Ed
V 2 A0
U
2d
Q CV
1
U CV 2
2

2. We will use Gauss Law to find E due to an infinite plate (this is equivalent to neglecting
edge effects)
A
E dS
0
Where is the areal charge density of the plate. We use a Gaussian cylinder with the
ends parallel to the plate. This means the above, by symmetry, reduces to:

A
2 dS
top 0

E
20
Q
E z
2A0

14
 This is the field due to one plate, we will use the superposition principle to write the field
for the two plate system:
Q
Eexternal z
A0
Thus:
Q
D z
A
For linear dielectrics we know D 0 r E, thus:
Q
E z
A0 r
The Polarisation is given by: P 0 E, which implies:
Qpr 1q
P z
Ar
The potential drop is given by: A
V E dz
B
Setting point A as the top of the dielectric and B as the bottom of the dielectric (with
the negative plate as the origin):
3d
2 Q
Vdielectric dz
d A0 r
2
Qd
Vdielectric
A0 r

3. We will repeat the above with different limits:

2d
Vcapacitor E dz
0
d 3d 2d
2Q 2 Q Q
Vcapacitor dz ` dz ` dz
0 0 A d
2
A0 r 3d
2
A0

Qd r ` 1
Vcapacitor
0 A r

Q
4. Capacitance is defined as: C V. Thus the capacitance of this system is:

0 A r
C
d r ` 1

Problem Set Five

Section A
Problems
1. The Langevin formula for the average molecular dipole component along an applied field
is:
1
hp cos i p cothy
y

15
 pEm
where y , as discussed in notes. A simplified result obtained in class is:
kB T
py
hp cos i
3
Compare the two results for room temperature for p 6.2 1030 Cm and Em 3
106 V m1 , and comment on your comparison.

r5s

2. Show that the magnetic induction of a source charge, q1 , moving uniformly with veloicity
v1 is:
v1 E
B
c c

r5s

3. The Lorentz force on a test charge q with velocity v is

F q pE ` v Bq

If v v1 0.1c, calculate the ratio of the electrostatic and magnetostatic forces between
the charges q and q1 .

r5s

Solutions
1. Room Temp: 300 K. These values yields the following results:

Full: 9.2850116611 1033

Approximate: 9.285024155 1033

A percentage error of 0.000135%. This implies that for most situations at room tem-
perature the approximation must be suffixent for determing the average molecular dipole
component along the field.

2. The Definition of magnetic induction is given by:

0 q1
B v1 r
4r2

We know that field from q1 is given by:

q1
E r
40 r2

Which means we can rewrite the magnetic induction in terms of the field as:

B 0 0 v1 E

16
 1
Since 0 0 we can write:
c2
1
B v1 E
c2
v1 E
B
c c

As required.

3. The magnitudes of the two forces are given by:

qvv1 E
|Fm | q|v B| |v v1 E|
c2
|Fe | q|E| qE

The magnitude of the cross product of unit vectors will be 1. Thus the ratio between the
magnetic and electric forces is:
Fm vv1
2
Fe c
Fm
0.01
Fe

Section B
Problems
1. The current density throughout a sphere of radius R is given as:

J J0 r

where J0 is a constant.

(a) Find the rate of change of charge density .

r5s
(b) Find the total current I thought the surface of the sphere.
r5s

Solutions
1. (a) We use the continuity equation:
B
J
Bt
Which, using the given expression for the current density:
1 d ` 2 B
r J0
r2 dr Bt
2J0 B

r Bt

17
 (b) Use the relation between current and current density:

I J dS

The surface of the sphere has a normal in the r direction, thus:

I J0 dS
2
I J0 R2 sin d d
0 0
2
I 4R J0

Problem Set Six

Section A
Problems
1. The current density in a long conductor of circular cross-section A and diameter d varius
with radius as J J0 r2 z.

(a) What are the SI units of J0 ?

r1s
(b) Calculate the total current I flowing in the conductor?
r2s
(c) Use the integral form of Amperes Law to find the magnetic field B for r? d2 , outside
the wire.
r3s
(d) Use the differential form of Amperes Law to find the magnetic field inside the wire.
r4s

2. A square loop, side l, of thin wire carries a current I.

(a) Use the Biot-Savart of Amperes Law to find an expression for the field B at a point
at a distance r from the centre of the loop along a line perpendicular to the plane of
the loop.
r4s
r
(b) Show that the field approximates an inverse cube law as l 8
r1s

Solutions
1. (a) By performing dimensional analysis: J0 has the units of Amps per meters to the
fourth power (Am4 ).

18
 (b) We will calculate the current by using the definition of current density:

I J dS
S
2 d
2
I J0 r3 drd
0 0
J0 d4
I
32

(c) The integral form of Amperes Law:

B dl 0 Ienc

By symmetry arguments we can conclude that : B k dl where dl is in the direction,

thus:

B dl 0 Ienc

Since we are outside the wire the enclosed current is that found in Part A. Thus:

J0 d4
Bp2rq 0
32
0 J0 d4
B
64r
0 J0 d4
B
64r

(d) The differential for of Amperes Law is:

B 0 J

We know, from symmetry, that B is not a function of or z 2 , thus this equation

becomes:

1 BBz BB BBr BBz 1 BprB q BBr
r ` ` z 0 J
r B Bz Bz Br r Br B

1 BBz BB
0
r B Bz

BBr BBz
0
Bz Br

1 BprB q BBr
0 J0 r2 z
r Br B
2
This is because the conductor itself is symmetric in and thus the geometry of the situation is identical
for all . It is not dependent on z because the wire is long (i.e on the scale we are considering the wire can be
considered infinitely long) this means that regardless of z value the geometry of the situation is the same.

19
 1 dprB q
0 J0 r2
r dr
dprB q
0 J0 r3
dr
0 J0 r4
rB
4
0 J0 r3
B
4

2. (a) We will split the loop into four different line segments and consider the contribution
to the field of each. A diagram has been drawn to ease the process:

We can write the vector r1 in terms of Cartesian coordinates. We will say that the
y-axis is parallel to wires 2 and 4, the x-axis parallel to wires 1 and 3 and the z-axis
perpendicular to the wire loop plane. Thus, for wire 1:

l
r1 xx ` y ` rz
2
dl dxx

Consider the differential form of Biot-Savarts Law:

0 I dl r1
dB
4 r13
Using the determined expressions for dl and r1 :
 
 x y z
0 I  
dB1 dx 0 0 
4r13  l

x 2 r

0 I l
dB1 rdxy ` dxz
4r13 2
fi
0 I rdxy ` 2l dxz ffi
dB1 3 fl
4

2 l2 2 2
x ` 4 `r
l
0 I 2 8ry ` 4lz
B1 3 dx
4 l
p4x2 ` l2 ` 4r2 q 2
2

20
 Before performing this integration we will perform the same process for wire 3, which
yields:
l
0 I 2 8ry 4lz
B3 3 dx
4 l
p4x2 ` l2 ` 4r2 q 2
2

Now we will use the superposition principle to obtain the field as a result of both
wire 1 and 3 and we will see that the integration will be simpler:
l l
0 I 2 8ry ` 4lz 0 I 2 8ry 4lz
B1 ` B3 3 dx ` 3 dx
4 l
p4x2 ` l2 ` 4r2 q 2 4 l
p4x2 ` l2 ` 4r2 q 2
2 2
l
0 I 2 8l z
B1 ` B3 3 dx
4 p4x2 ` l2 ` 4r2 q 2
l
2
l
20 Il x 2
B1 ` B3 ? z
pl2 ` 4r2 q l2 ` 4r2 ` 4x2 l
2

20 Il2 z
B1 ` B3 ?
pl2 ` 4r2 q 2l2 ` 4r2

Due to the geometry of the situation: B1 ` B3 B2 ` B4 , thus the total field due
to the loop is:

B 2pB1 ` B3 q
40 Il2 z
B ?
pl2 ` 4r2 q 2l2 ` 4r2

NB: The question does not specify the direction of the current, as a result the field
came be the above field depending on how we chose to set up the wire. Either is
correct.
(b) Before we take the limit we will first rewrite the field obtained in the last question
in a form which involves rl :

40 I z
B ` r 2 b ` 2
l 1 ` 4 l 2 ` 4 rl

r
Now take the limit l 8:

0 Il2
B z
2r3
Which is a inverse cube law as required.

Section B
Problems
1. Earnshaws Theorem states that: A charged particle cannot be held in stationary equilib-
rium by electrostatic forces alone.

21
 (a) Show that the divergence of the Electrostatic force, taking a situation in free space
(i.e one with no charge density), is zero.
r3s
(b) Describe to what extent this proves Earnshaws Theorem and if necessary complete
the proof.
r6s
(c) Can this theorem be generalised to any other forces?
r6s

Solutions
1. (a) The divergence of the electrostatic field is:

Fe

2
0
Fe 0

As required.
(b) The divergence of a Force being zero means that the flux of the force entering a point
is equal to the flux leaving the point so that there is no minima or maximum in the
potential and thus no stable equilibrium. There can only exist saddle points. This
is not a full proof as fields can possess complex equilibrium when the field spirals into
an equilibrium, which can be dealt with by showing Fe 0 which is equivalent
to the force being conservative, which we know to be true for the electrostatic force.
Thus we have proven Earnshaws Theorem.
(c) To sum up the conditions that need to be satisfied by a force if a generalised form
of Earnshaws Theorem is to apply are:

F 0
F 0

As discussed the second condition is simply that the force is conservative. The first
will be satisfied for any inverse square law, we will show now prove:

C
F r
r2
1 d ` 2
F 2 r Fr
r dr
1 d
F 2 pCq
r dr
F 0

Thus Earnshaws theorem will apply to any conservative inverse square Force, which
includes the Gravitational Force.

22
Problem Sheet Seven
Section A
Problems

1. An air-filled coaxial cable consists of a metal wire of diameter d surrounded by a thin

metal sheath of diameter D.

(a) When the wire carries a charge per unit length , find the electric field Eprq at radial
distances of d2 r D
2 , and the potential difference between the wire and the sheath.

r6s

(b) Find the capacitance per unit length of the cable

r5s

(c) If d 1mm and D 1cm, find the smallest potential difference that will lead to a
field exceeding the breakdown strength of air, which is 3M V m1

r4s

Solutions

1. (a) Use Gausss Law, Differential Form:

E
0
1 d Q
prEq
r dr A0
r 1
r 1
rE dr
0 0
d 1 r 1
2 r r 1
rE dr1 ` dr
0 0 d 0
2
# 4
for 0 r d2
Since: d2
0 for d2 r D2
$
2r

&
2
r For 0 r d2
E 0 d


% r For d2 r D2
20 r

The potential difference between the wire and sheath is given as:
d
2
E dr
D
2
D
1 2
dr
20
d r
2

D
ln
20 d

23
 (b) Capacitance is defined as:
Q
C
V
Where V is the potential difference between the two conductors (i.e in this case the
wire and the sheath) and Q is the charge on the wire. The capacitance per unit
length then is given as:

Cl
V
Which in this case is:
20
Cl `
ln D
d

(c) Rearrange the field to obtain an expression for the terms shared by the expression
for the potential difference:

Er
20

D
Er ln
d

So the smallest potential difference will occur when the field reaches the breakdown
strength at d2 , thus:

d D
E ln
2 d
3 106 5 104 ln 10
1.5 103 ln 10
3453.88 V

Section B
Problems

1. Calculate the vector potential due to a thin straight wire, of length L carrying current
I, at a perpendicular distance d from the mid point of the wire. Show that the result
leads to the familiar expression for the magnetic field due to an infinite straight wire in
the limit L 8.

r15s

Solutions

1. Use the expression for finding the magnetic vector potential of a current density which
vanishes at infinity:

Jpr1 q

0
A dV 1
4 |r r1 |

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 which, for this line current, reduces to:
L
0 2 Iz
A ? dz
4 L z2
` d2
2

0 I a L
2
A ln z ` z 2 ` d2 L z
4
? 2
0 I 2
L ` L ` 4d 2
A ln ? z
4 L2 ` 4d2 L

Now taking the limit L 8:

0 I
A ln d z
2
Which is the expression derived for infinite wire.

Problem Sheet Eight

Section A
Problems
1. A long straight wire at x a carries a current, I, in the negative y direction, and another
wire at x a carries a current I in the positive y direction. Find the Bz field along the
x axis. Sketch it

r10s

2. Consider a current I existing in the x y plane in a thin strip from y w2 to y w2 ,

extending to x 8. Derive an expression for B at y a outside the strip. Reduce the
resulting expression for large a.

r4, 1s

Solutions
1. First consider one wire. Use Amperes Law in integral form:

B dl 0 I

The Amperean loop will be a circle around the wire lying in the x-z plane. By symmetry
we can see that the B will lie in the z directions and will be parallel to integration line
vector. Thus:

Bz dl 0 I
0 I
Bz
2r
0 I
B z
2r

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 Where the direction of the current is implicit in I (Positive I for Positive y)Now look at
a diagram of the x-z plane.

. From this and the superposition principle we can write the field as:

0 I 0 I
B z
2px ` aq 2pa xq
0 Ix
B z
px2 a2 q

The Sketch:

2. A diagram of the situation:

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 The amount of current carried by the differential strip is given by:

dr
dI I
w

Using Amperes Law on the differential strip:

dBp2rq 0 dI
I0 a`w dr

Bout
2w a r
I0 w
Bout ln 1 `
2w a
` w
w
For large a, ln 1 ` a a, thus:

I0
Bout
2a

Which is the field we would expect from a wire. A reassuring property.

Section B
Problems

1. Two rigid wires, 25 cm long, form opposite sides of a rectangular loop, the two other sides
being identical metal springs, 5cm in length. When a current of 10A is passed through
this loop, the length of the springs changes by 1cm.

0 I 2 L
(a) If the force of the springs is given by F BIL, then show that F
2r
r3s

(b) Are the wires pushed apart or pulled together?

r1s

(c) If the force on each spring was F kr, evaluate the spring constant

r1s

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Solutions
1. (a) The field from one wire can be found using Amperes Law and noting the inherent
symmetries:

B dl 0 I

Br p2rq 0 I
0 I 2 L
F
2r
As required.
(b) Pulled Apart.
(c) Equating Forces:

0 I 2 L
k
2rr
r 102
k 2.49 103 N m1

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