Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 ib Paper 3 15D c Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
Parametrize the loop by and . At the observation point , the Biot-Savart law for a line current givesThe components perpendicular to the axis cancel by rotational symmetry, while the axial component of the cross product is . ThereforeThe direction is fixed by the right-hand rule and reverses when the electric current reverses. At the centre,This is the on-axis magnetic field of a circular current loop.
Power-law pressure-supported axial current Created 2026-10-05 Updated 2026-10-06
For constant axial magnetic field and with and , cylindrical magnetostatic pressure balance gives, with ,The nontrivial electric current is finite at infinity exactly when , in which case . Either sign of is possible because the pressure balance fixes its square.
Right-hand rule Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-24
The right-hand rule fixes the orientation of a cross product and relates the circulation direction of an electric current to the direction of its magnetic field.
Series RLC circuit 2026-10-05
In a series RLC circuit, the same electric current flows through a resistor, inductor and capacitor. Summing their electric potential difference drops gives , and differentiating givesThe homogeneous damped harmonic oscillator has angular frequency and decay rate .
Z-pinch 2026-10-05
In a Z-pinch, an axial electric current produces a toroidal magnetic field whose inward magnetic tension confines a plasma. A cylindrical magnetostatic equilibrium balances the resulting Lorentz force density against a pressure gradient.