Magnetic field = 0 inside a conducting wire?

In summary, the conversation discusses the contradiction between the expected zero magnetic field within a wire with concentrated current, according to biot-savarts law, and the non-zero magnetic field predicted by ampere's law. The speaker raises the possibility of applying ampere's law incorrectly by using different rings or surfaces for calculating current and magnetic field.
  • #1
Nikitin
735
27
Hey. If a wire is conducting electricity and all the current is concentrated at the edge of the wire, as in the skin effect, the magnetic field everywhere inside should be zero due to symmetry when applying biot-savarts law.

However, according to ampere's law, it shouldn't. I take a cross-section of the wire and apply an annulus surface where the the outer ring covers the current I penetrating the cross-section, while the inner ring defines the integral ∫B*dl. The radius of the inner ring is r.

Then ∫B*dl = Iμ => B = Iμ/2pi*r

How is this contradiction possible? Am I applying ampere's law wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You cannot use different (arbitrary) rings/surfaces to calculate current and magnetic field. You can choose an area with current inside - but then the edge of this area will be outside, too. Or you can choose an area where the edge is inside - but then you do not have a current flowing through.
 

Related to Magnetic field = 0 inside a conducting wire?

1. What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be detected. It is created by moving electric charges, such as electrons.

2. Why is the magnetic field inside a conducting wire equal to 0?

According to Ampere's law, a current-carrying wire produces a magnetic field that wraps around the wire in a circular pattern. However, inside the wire, the magnetic field lines cancel each other out due to the opposing current directions, resulting in a net magnetic field of 0.

3. How does a conducting wire differ from other materials in terms of magnetic fields?

Unlike insulators, which do not allow the flow of electrons, conducting wires have a large number of free electrons that can easily move and create a magnetic field. This makes them ideal for conducting electricity and producing magnetic fields.

4. Can a conducting wire ever have a non-zero magnetic field inside?

In some cases, a conducting wire may have a non-zero magnetic field inside if there is an external magnetic field present. The wire can act as a magnet if the external field is strong enough to align the electrons in the wire in a certain direction.

5. What are the practical applications of a zero magnetic field inside a conducting wire?

The fact that a conducting wire has a zero magnetic field inside is essential for many electronic devices, such as transformers and inductors. It allows for precise control of magnetic fields and prevents interference between different components in a circuit.

Similar threads

  • Electromagnetism
Replies
5
Views
384
Replies
2
Views
720
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
811
Replies
12
Views
857
Replies
8
Views
737
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
1
Views
716
  • Electromagnetism
6
Replies
198
Views
10K
Back
Top