Skip to main content

Electromagnetism / Electrodynamics I · Magnetostatics and vector potential

An ideal solenoid leaves vector potential outside its field

Problem

An infinite ideal solenoid of radius R has uniform field $B_0\hat{\mathbf z}$ inside and zero field outside. Seek $\mathbf A=A_\phi(r)\hat{\boldsymbol\phi}$ that is regular at the axis and continuous at R. Find A inside and outside, and compute the circulation around a circle with $r>R$.

Hint

Integrate the cylindrical curl equation separately in the two radial regions.

Check your work

Work the problem yourself first. Then open it in Training to check your answer and read the full worked solution.

The answer check and full solution for this problem come with ProofAnvil Practice membership ($19 USD monthly). See membership. Or start with the free Electromagnetism / Electrodynamics I sample problem: Try the free sample problem.

More Electromagnetism / Electrodynamics I practice problems