Magnetostatics III: Vector

potential
Sanjib Dey

PHY F212 (EMT-1), Semester-I (2024-25)

Ref: D. J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd Edition

1
 Force between two current carrying loops

Magnetic field at dl2 due to current in dl1 :

⃗
⃗ 1 = µ0 i1 dl1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
dB
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

2
 Force between two current carrying loops

Magnetic field at dl2 due to current in dl1 :

⃗
⃗ 1 = µ0 i1 dl1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
dB
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

Lorentz force:

F⃗ ⃗ = q (⃗l × B)
= q(⃗v × B) ⃗ = i(⃗l × B)
⃗
t

2
 Force between two current carrying loops

Magnetic field at dl2 due to current in dl1 :

⃗
⃗ 1 = µ0 i1 dl1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
dB
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

Lorentz force:

F⃗ ⃗ = q (⃗l × B)
= q(⃗v × B) ⃗ = i(⃗l × B)
⃗
t
Force on dl2 due to dl1 :

dF ⃗ 2 × dB
⃗ 21 = i2 dl ⃗ 1

2
 Force between two current carrying loops

Magnetic field at dl2 due to current in dl1 :

⃗
⃗ 1 = µ0 i1 dl1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
dB
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

Lorentz force:

F⃗ ⃗ = q (⃗l × B)
= q(⃗v × B) ⃗ = i(⃗l × B)
⃗
t
Force on dl2 due to dl1 :

dF ⃗ 2 × dB
⃗ 21 = i2 dl ⃗ 1
˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ 0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

2
 Force between two current carrying loops
Magnetic field at dl2 due to current in dl1 :

⃗
⃗ 1 = µ0 i1 dl1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
dB
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

Lorentz force:

F⃗ = q(⃗v × B) ⃗ = q (⃗l × B)
⃗ = i(⃗l × B)⃗
t
Force on dl2 due to dl1 :
⃗ 21 = i2 dl
dF ⃗ 2 × dB ⃗ 1
˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl ⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
Similarly ˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 1 × dl ⃗ 2 × (⃗r1 − ⃗r2 )
µ0
F⃗12 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
These are general expressions and one one can calculate them explicitly
for given regular shaped loops. 2
Force between two current carrying loops continued..

Let us first calculate F⃗21 :

˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl
⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

3
Force between two current carrying loops continued..

Let us compute the integrand:

˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl
⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
˛ ˛ 
µ0 ⃗ 2 · ⃗r2 − ⃗r1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
  
= i1 i2 ⃗ 1 dl
dl − dl 2 · ⃗
dl 1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
⃗ × (B
Hint: A ⃗ × C)⃗ = B( ⃗ A⃗ · C)
⃗ − C( ⃗ A⃗ · B)
⃗

3
Force between two current carrying loops continued..

Let us compute the integrand:

˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl
⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
˛ ˛ 
µ0 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
  
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
dl1 dl2 · − ⃗
dl2 · dl1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
⃗ × (B
Hint: A ⃗ × C)⃗ = B( ⃗ A ⃗ · C)
⃗ − C( ⃗ A⃗ · B)
⃗
˛ ˛ 
µ0 1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
   
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
− dl1 dl2 · ∇ ⃗ − ⃗
dl2 · dl1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

3
Force between two current carrying loops continued..
Let us compute the integrand:
˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl
⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
˛ ˛ 
µ0 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
  
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
dl1 dl2 · − ⃗
dl2 · dl1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
⃗ × (B
Hint: A ⃗ × C)⃗ = B( ⃗ A ⃗ · C)
⃗ − C( ⃗ A⃗ · B)
⃗
˛ ˛ 
µ0 1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
   
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
− dl1 dl2 · ∇ ⃗ − ⃗
dl2 · dl1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

Now
˛ ¨ 
1 1
   
⃗ 2·∇
dl ⃗ = ∇⃗ ×∇
⃗ ⃗ 2=0
· dS
|⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |
¸ ˜
Hint: A ⃗ =
⃗ · dl ⃗ × A)
(∇ ⃗ & ∇
⃗ · dS ⃗ × (∇V
⃗ )=0

3
Force between two current carrying loops continued..
Let us compute the integrand:
˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl
⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
˛ ˛ 
µ0 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
  
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
dl1 dl2 · − ⃗
dl2 · dl1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
⃗ × (B
Hint: A ⃗ × C)⃗ = B( ⃗ A⃗ · C)
⃗ − C( ⃗ A⃗ · B)
⃗
˛ ˛  :0
 

⃗r2 − ⃗r1

µ0 1
       
= i1 i2 ⃗ ⃗
− dl1 dl2⃗
·∇   
− ⃗
dl 2 · ⃗
dl 1
|⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3

4π  
 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | 


˛  ¨ 
1 1
  
Now ⃗ 2·∇
dl ⃗ = ⃗ ×∇
∇ ⃗ ⃗ 2=0
· dS
|⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |
¸ ˜
Hint: A ⃗ = (∇
⃗ · dl ⃗ × A) ⃗ & ∇
⃗ · dS ⃗ × (∇V ⃗ )=0

3
Force between two current carrying loops continued..
Let us compute the integrand:
˛ ˛ dl
h i
⃗ 2 × dl ⃗ 1 × (⃗r2 − ⃗r1 )
µ0
F⃗21 = i1 i2
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
˛ ˛ 
µ0 ⃗ 2 · ⃗r2 − ⃗r1 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗
  
= i1 i2 ⃗ 1 dl
dl − dl 2 · ⃗
dl 1
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3
⃗ × (B
Hint: A ⃗ × C) ⃗ = B( ⃗ A⃗ · C)
⃗ − C( ⃗ A⃗ · B)
⃗
˛ ˛  :0
 

⃗r2 − ⃗r1

µ0 ⃗1
        
= i1 i2 ⃗ 1 dl
− dl ⃗ 2·∇ − ⃗ 2 · dl
dl ⃗1
4π  
  |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |3 

˛  ¨ 
1 1
  
Now ⃗ 2·∇
dl ⃗ = ⃗ ×∇
∇ ⃗ ⃗ 2=0
· dS
|⃗r2 − ⃗r1 | |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |
¸ ˜
Hint: A ⃗ = (∇
⃗ · dl ⃗ × A)⃗ · dS⃗ & ∇ ⃗ × (∇V ⃗ )=0
˛ ˛
µ0 ⃗r2 − ⃗r1  ⃗ 
⃗ 1 = −F⃗12
F⃗21 = − i1 i2 3
dl2 · dl
4π |⃗r2 − ⃗r1 |
Repeat the calculation for F⃗12 to get the above 3
 Force between two parallel straight current carrying
wires (lying in the xy plane)

Magnetic field on 2nd wire due to current in 1st

wire:
B⃗ 21 = µ0 i1 (−k̂)
2πd

4
 Force between two parallel straight current carrying
wires (lying in the xy plane)

Magnetic field on 2nd wire due to current in 1st

wire:
B⃗ 21 = µ0 i1 (−k̂)
2πd
Force per unit length on the 2nd wire due to the
magnetic field at the position of the 1st wire:

F⃗21 = i2 (ĵ × B
⃗ 21 )
µ0 i1 i2
= ĵ × (−k̂)
2πd

4
 Force between two parallel straight current carrying
wires (lying in the xy plane)
Magnetic field on 2nd wire due to current in 1st
wire:
B⃗ 21 = µ0 i1 (−k̂)
2πd
Force per unit length on the 2nd wire due to the
magnetic field at the position of the 1st wire:

F⃗21 = i2 (ĵ × B⃗ 21 )
µ0 i1 i2
= ĵ × (−k̂)
2πd
µ0 i1 i2
= − î
2πd
= F⃗12

Parallel current carrying wires attract each other

4
Magnetic potentials

⃗ E
Recall that electric field is irrotational, i.e., ∇× ⃗ =0⇒E
⃗ = −∇V
⃗ .
It enabled us simplifying things as this relation helped us to deal
⃗
with the scalar V instead of the vector E.

5
Magnetic potentials

⃗ E
Recall that electric field is irrotational, i.e., ∇× ⃗ =0⇒E
⃗ = −∇V
⃗ .
It enabled us simplifying things as this relation helped us to deal
⃗
with the scalar V instead of the vector E.
⃗ ×B
For magnetic fields the relation is different, i.e., ∇ ⃗ = µ0 J.
⃗
Therefore it does not help us to get a scalar potential.

5
Magnetic potentials

⃗ E
Recall that electric field is irrotational, i.e., ∇× ⃗ =0⇒E
⃗ = −∇V
⃗ .
It enabled us simplifying things as this relation helped us to deal
with the scalar V instead of the vector E.⃗
⃗ ×B
For magnetic fields the relation is different, i.e., ∇ ⃗ = µ0 J.
⃗
Therefore it does not help us to get a scalar potential.
⃗ ·B
However, magnetic field is solenoidal, i.e., ∇ ⃗ =0⇒B ⃗ =∇
⃗ × A.
⃗
So, one gets a potential. Unlike the electrostatics, the potential is
not scalar, but it is a vector.
⃗ =∇
B ⃗ ×A
⃗

5
Magnetic potentials
⃗ E
Recall that electric field is irrotational, i.e., ∇× ⃗ =0⇒E ⃗ = −∇V
⃗ .
It enabled us simplifying things as this relation helped us to deal
with the scalar V instead of the vector E. ⃗
For magnetic fields the relation is different, i.e., ∇ ⃗ ×B⃗ = µ0 J.
⃗
Therefore it does not help us to get a scalar potential.
However, magnetic field is solenoidal, i.e., ∇ ⃗ ·B
⃗ =0⇒B ⃗ =∇⃗ × A.
⃗
So, one gets a potential. Unlike the electrostatics, the potential is
not scalar, but it is a vector.
B⃗ =∇ ⃗ ×A ⃗

Recall ˚ ⃗ r⃗′ )
⃗ × µ0
⃗ r) = ∇
B(⃗
J(
d3 r′
4π ⃗
|⃗r − r | ′

Thus,
˚ ⃗ r⃗′ )
⃗ r ) = µ0
A(⃗
J(
d3 r′ ⇐ Magnetic vector potential
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
5
Gauge choice

⃗ =∇
Let us now put B ⃗ ×A
⃗ into the expression ∇
⃗ ×B
⃗ = µ0 J⃗

⃗ × (∇
∇ ⃗ × A)
⃗ = ∇(
⃗ ∇⃗ · A)
⃗ −∇
⃗ 2A
⃗ = µ0 J⃗ (1)

6
Gauge choice

⃗ =∇
Let us now put B ⃗ ×A
⃗ into the expression ∇
⃗ ×B
⃗ = µ0 J⃗

⃗ × (∇
∇ ⃗ × A)
⃗ = ∇(
⃗ ∇⃗ · A)
⃗ −∇
⃗ 2A
⃗ = µ0 J⃗ (1)

Note that ∇ ⃗ ×A ⃗ has physical significance. It represents the magnetic

⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ·A
field. But, ∇ · A has no physical significance. So, one can choose ∇ ⃗
something so that our work becomes simple. For convenience, we can
choose ∇⃗ ·A⃗ = 0.

⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ = 0 ⇐ Coulomb gauge

6
Gauge choice
⃗ =∇
Let us now put B ⃗ ×A
⃗ into the expression ∇
⃗ ×B
⃗ = µ0 J⃗
⃗ × (∇
∇ ⃗ × A)
⃗ = ∇(
⃗ ∇⃗ · A)
⃗ −∇
⃗ 2A
⃗ = µ0 J⃗ (1)
Note that ∇ ⃗ ×A ⃗ has physical significance. It represents the magnetic
⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ·A
field. But, ∇ · A has no physical significance. So, one can choose ∇ ⃗
something so that our work becomes simple. For convenience, we can
choose ∇⃗ ·A⃗ = 0.

⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ = 0 ⇐ Coulomb gauge

In Coulomb gauge

⃗ 2A
∇ ⃗ = −µ0 J⃗ ⇐ Poisson’s equation

Once can always solve Poisson’s equation to obtain the vector potential
⃗
A.
Can we always have a gauge choice?
6
Gauge transformation

⃗ ·A
Suppose we do not choose Coulomb gauge, i.e., ∇ ⃗ ̸= 0. But we can
always write
⃗ new = A
A ⃗ old + ∇ψ
⃗
⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ new = ∇ ⃗ ·A
⃗ old + ∇
⃗ 2 ψ.

7
Gauge transformation

⃗ ·A
Suppose we do not choose Coulomb gauge, i.e., ∇ ⃗ ̸= 0. But we can
always write
⃗ new = A
A ⃗ old + ∇ψ
⃗
⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ new = ∇ ⃗ ·A
⃗ old + ∇
⃗ 2 ψ.

⃗ ·A
We can always find a ψ for which ∇ ⃗ new becomes zero, i.e.,

⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ old = −∇
⃗ 2ψ

This is the Poisson’s equation and one can always find a solution of it.

7
Gauge transformation
⃗ ·A
Suppose we do not choose Coulomb gauge, i.e., ∇ ⃗ ̸= 0. But we can
always write
⃗ new = A
A ⃗ old + ∇ψ
⃗
⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ new
=∇ ⃗ ·A
⃗ old + ∇
⃗ 2 ψ.

⃗ ·A
We can always find a ψ for which ∇ ⃗ new becomes zero, i.e.,

⃗ ·A
∇ ⃗ old = −∇
⃗ 2ψ

This is the Poisson’s equation and one can always find a solution of it.
So, even if we do not choose Coulomb gauge, we can always write A ⃗ new
⃗ ⃗
and find a ψ for which ∇· A new = 0. That means we can always make our
life simple by choosing a suitable gauge. Unlike electrostatic potential,
vector potential is more difficult to handle as it is a vector. In such a
case, sometimes, we need to use this trick.

7
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

˚ ⃗ r⃗′ )
⃗ r ) = µ0
A(⃗
J(
d3 r ′
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |

8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R2 + l2

8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R2 + l2
l = R tan θ, dl = R sec2 θ dθ
ˆ ∞
µ0 i R sec2 θ
= k̂ dθ
4π −∞ R sec θ

8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R + l2 2

l = R tan θ, dl = R sec2 θ dθ
ˆ ∞
µ0 i R sec
2 θ
= k̂ dθ
4π −∞ Rsec
 θ
∞
µ0 i
= k̂ ln | tan θ + sec θ|
4π
−∞

8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R2 + l2
l = R tan θ, dl = R sec2 θ dθ
ˆ ∞
µ0 i R sec
2 θ
= k̂ dθ
4π −∞ Rsec
 θ
∞
µ0 i
= k̂ ln | tan θ + sec θ|
4π
−∞
√ !∞
µ0 i l R2 + l 2
= k̂ ln +
4π R R −∞

8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)
˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R + l2 2

l = R tan θ, dl = R sec2 θ dθ
ˆ ∞
µ0 i R sec
2 θ
= k̂ dθ
4π −∞ Rsec
 θ
∞
µ0 i
= k̂ ln | tan θ + sec θ|
4π
−∞
√ !∞
µ0 i l R + l2
2
= k̂ ln +
4π R R −∞
√ !∞
µ0 i l+ R +l2 2
= k̂ ln
4π R −∞
8
Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)
˚ ⃗ ⃗′
⃗ r) = µ0 J(r ) 3 ′
A(⃗ d r
4π |⃗r − r⃗′ |
ˆ
µ0 i ∞ dl
= √ k̂
4π −∞ R2 + l2
l = R tan θ, dl = R sec2 θ dθ
ˆ ∞
µ0 i R sec
2 θ
= k̂ dθ
4π −∞ Rsec
 θ
∞
µ0 i
= k̂ ln | tan θ + sec θ|
4π
−∞
√ !∞
µ0 i l R + l2
2
= k̂ ln +
4π R R −∞
√ !∞
µ0 i l+ R +l2 2
= k̂ ln −→ ∞
4π R −∞
It does not give the vector potential as l is ∞. 8
 Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

⃗ from the magnetic field B

We can alternatively calculate A ⃗

Using Ampere’s law we calculated:

⃗ = µ0 i ϕ̂ = (∇
B ⃗ × A)
⃗
2πR ϕ̂

9
 Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

⃗ from the magnetic field B

We can alternatively calculate A ⃗

Using Ampere’s law we calculated:

⃗ = µ0 i ϕ̂ = (∇
B ⃗ × A)
⃗
2πR ϕ̂

ŝ/s ϕ̂ ẑ/s
∂As ∂Az
 
⃗ ×A
∇ ⃗= ∂ ∂ ∂
= · · · ϕ̂ − ···
∂s ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ∂s
As sAϕ Az

9
 Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)

⃗ from the magnetic field B

We can alternatively calculate A ⃗
Using Ampere’s law we calculated:

⃗ = µ0 i ϕ̂ = (∇
B ⃗ × A)
⃗
2πR ϕ̂

ŝ/s ϕ̂ ẑ/s
∂As ∂Az
 
⃗ ×A
∇ ⃗= ∂ ∂ ∂
= · · · ϕ̂ − ···
∂s ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ∂s
As sAϕ Az

In this problem: s ≡ R and z ≡ l

∂AR ∂Al µ0 i
 
⃗ × A)
(∇ ⃗ = ϕ̂ − = ϕ̂
ϕ̂ ∂l ∂R 2πR

9
 Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)
⃗ from the magnetic field B
We can alternatively calculate A ⃗
Using Ampere’s law we calculated:

⃗ = µ0 i ϕ̂ = (∇
B ⃗ × A)
⃗
2πR ϕ̂

ŝ/s ϕ̂ ẑ/s
∂As ∂Az
 
⃗ ×A
∇ ⃗= ∂ ∂ ∂
= · · · ϕ̂ − ···
∂s ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ∂s
As sAϕ Az

In this problem: s ≡ R and z ≡ l

 0 

⃗ × A)
⃗ = ϕ̂   ∂AR
 ∂Al  µ0 i
(∇ ϕ̂ − = ϕ̂
∂l ∂R 2πR

(By symmetry, the value of AR at all points of l is same)

9
 Vector potential example-1 (Infinite straight wire)
⃗ from the magnetic field B
We can alternatively calculate A ⃗
Using Ampere’s law we calculated:

B⃗ = µ0 i ϕ̂ = (∇
⃗ × A)
⃗
2πR ϕ̂

ŝ/s ϕ̂ ẑ/s
∂As ∂Az
 
⃗ ×A
∇ ⃗= ∂ ∂ ∂
= · · · ϕ̂ − ···
∂s ∂ϕ ∂z ∂z ∂s
As sAϕ Az

In this problem: s ≡ R and z ≡ l

 0 

⃗ × A)
⃗ = ϕ̂  ∂AR ∂Al  µ0 i
(∇ ϕ̂ − = ϕ̂
∂l ∂R 2πR


(By symmetry, the value of AR at all points of l is same)

∂Al µ0 i ⃗ = µ0 i ln R
∴ =− ⇒ |A| (The direction is along ẑ)
∂R 2πR 2π
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Vector potential example-2 (Solenoid)

Vector potential using magnetic flux and Ampere’s law:

⃗ is to calculate the magnetic flux and then find
Another way to find A ¸
the symmetry to compute A ⃗
⃗ · dl
˛ ¨ ¨
A ⃗ =
⃗ · dl ⃗ ×A
∇ ⃗ =
⃗ · ds ⃗ = ΦB
⃗ · ds
B

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 Vector potential example-2 (Solenoid)
Vector potential using magnetic flux and Ampere’s law:
⃗ is to calculate the magnetic flux and then find
Another way to find A ¸
the symmetry to compute A ⃗
⃗ · dl
˛ ¨ ¨
⃗ ⃗
A · dl = ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
∇ × A · ds = ⃗ = ΦB
⃗ · ds
B

Example:
Inside solenoid r < R ⃗ = µ0 niẑ, n = N/L
We know: B
¨
ΦB = B ⃗ = Bπr2 = µ0 niπr2
⃗ · ds
˛
A ⃗ = |A|2πr = µ0 niπr2
⃗ · dl

µ0 ni
∴ |A| = r
2

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 Vector potential example-2 (Solenoid) continued..

Outside solenoid r > R ¨

ΦB = B ⃗ = BπR2 = µ0 niπR2
⃗ · ds

⃗ outside the cylinder of radius R

B
is zero and, thus, no contribution
to flux from this region
˛
A ⃗ = |A|2πr = µ0 niπR2
⃗ · dl

µ0 ni 2
∴ |A| = R
2r

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 Vector potential example-2 (Solenoid) continued..
Outside solenoid r > R ¨
ΦB = B ⃗ = BπR2 = µ0 niπR2
⃗ · ds

⃗ outside the cylinder of radius R

B
is zero and, thus, no contribution
to flux from this region
˛
A ⃗ = |A|2πr = µ0 niπR2
⃗ · dl

µ0 ni 2
∴ |A| = R
2r

Note:
Vector potential A ⃗ outside the
solenoid is nonzero unlike the case
⃗
of magnetic field B

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