Direction of vector potential

In summary, the direction of vector potential is typically the same as the direction of current in ordinary cases. This is supported by the formula A=(mu/4*pi) int{J /(r-r')}dV, which is valid for finite current distributions. However, in some cases such as example 5.12 and exercise 5.25 from Griffiths, the current distribution extends to infinity yet the direction of A remains the same as J. This may seem contradictory, but it is important to note that the direction of A is gauge dependent and the formula mentioned only applies to Coulomb.
  • #1
Kolahal Bhattacharya
135
1
We know in all ordinary cases the direction of vector potential will be mimic to the direction of current.As it is evident from the expression of A=(mu/4*pi) int{J /(r-r')}dV which is valid only for finite current distributions.
But in example 5.12 and in exercise 5.25 Griffiths has given situations where current distributions extend upto infinity.But,still the direction of A is the same as direction of J .Can you help me to reconcile these two apparently contrasting views?
 
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  • #2
Kolahal Bhattacharya said:
We know in all ordinary cases the direction of vector potential will be mimic to the direction of current.
You do know it is gauge dependent, right (The formula you brought works for Coulomb)? I don't know about the example you talked about.
 

Related to Direction of vector potential

1. What is the direction of vector potential?

The direction of vector potential is determined by the direction of the magnetic field it produces at any given point in space. It can also be represented by the direction of the current flow in a wire carrying the same current as the magnetic field.

2. How is the direction of vector potential related to the magnetic field?

The direction of vector potential is always perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field it produces. This means that if the magnetic field is oriented in the x-y plane, the vector potential will be oriented in the z-direction.

3. Can the direction of vector potential change?

Yes, the direction of vector potential can change depending on the orientation of the magnetic field or the direction of the current flow. However, the magnitude of the vector potential will remain the same as long as the current remains constant.

4. How is the direction of vector potential measured?

The direction of vector potential can be measured using a compass or a magnetometer. These instruments can detect the direction of the magnetic field and, by extension, the direction of the vector potential.

5. Is the direction of vector potential the same as the direction of the magnetic field?

No, the direction of vector potential is not the same as the direction of the magnetic field. While they are related, they are perpendicular to each other. The magnetic field is a vector quantity and has both magnitude and direction, while the vector potential is a pseudovector and only has direction.

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