2.II.17H

Electromagnetism
Part IB, 2005

Assume the magnetic field

B(x)=b(x3z^z^x),\mathbf{B}(\mathbf{x})=b(\mathbf{x}-3 \hat{\mathbf{z}} \hat{\mathbf{z}} \cdot \mathbf{x}),

where z^\hat{\mathbf{z}} is a unit vector in the vertical direction. Show that this satisfies the expected equations for a static magnetic field in vacuum.

A circular wire loop, of radius aa, mass mm and resistance RR, lies in a horizontal plane with its centre on the zz-axis at a height zz and there is a magnetic field given by ()(*). Calculate the magnetic flux arising from this magnetic field through the loop and also the force acting on the loop when a current II is flowing around the loop in a clockwise direction about the zz-axis.

Obtain an equation of motion for the height z(t)z(t) when the wire loop is falling under gravity. Show that there is a solution in which the loop falls with constant speed vv which should be determined. Verify that in this situation the rate at which heat is generated by the current flowing in the loop is equal to the rate of loss of gravitational potential energy. What happens when R0R \rightarrow 0 ?