Jump to content

Ampere's Law


Sriman Dutta

Recommended Posts

Hello everybody,

The Ampere's Law states that the total [math]B[/math]-field generated by a conducting element of length [math]l[/math] is directly proportional to the current element [math]I[/math].

Thus,

[math] Bl = \mu_0 I[/math]

Where [math]\mu_0[/math] is the constant of proportionality.

But, will the constant of proportionality be [math]\mu_0[/math] or [math] \mu_0 \mu_r [/math] ?

These two sites use two different formulations.....

http://www.electrical4u.com/biot-savart-law/

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/magcur.html#c1

Edited by Sriman Dutta
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Both are right!

 

The Biot-Savart page is simply more complete in that it takes into account the medium via [math]{\mu _r}[/math]

For air and many purposes such as the space between sub atomic particles [math]{\mu _r}[/math] is so close to 1 that we often ignore it.
That is what is done in your second link from hyperphysics.
A more satisfactory way to deal with this is to use
[math]\mu = {\mu _0}{\mu _r}[/math]
Then there is no ambiguity.
Incidentally your hyperphysics link has some good pictures of the circular magnetic field lines around straight conductors carrying current.
Look carefully at these and think about your other thread on crossed wires.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.