Show that the magnetic field of an infinite solenoid runs | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Introduction to Electrodynamics

Chapter 5 Problem 18P

Question

Problem 18P

Show that the magnetic field of an infinite solenoid runs parallel to the axis, regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the coil, as long as that shape is constant along the length of the solenoid. What is the magnitude of the field, inside and outside of such a coil? Show that the toroid field (Eq. 5.60) reduces to the solenoid field, when the radius of the donut is so large that a segment can be considered essentially straight.

Equation 5.60

Solution

Step 1 of 4

We have to show that the magnetic field of an infinite solenoid runs parallel to the axis, regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the coil.

Consider a solenoid of an arbitrary cross sectional shape as show in the figure below.

Let us orient the axes such that the field point r lies on the y -axis, r = (0,,0)

The magnetic field at point r due to current element at as given by Biot-savart law is

Now, consider a source point at on loop 1.

So,

Therefore, the magnetic field at point r is,

         

     

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full solution

Title Introduction to Electrodynamics  4 
Author David J. Griffiths
ISBN 9780321856562

Show that the magnetic field of an infinite solenoid runs

Chapter 5 textbook questions

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