Electric and Magnetic Fields from a

Circular Coil Using Elliptic Integrals

SOMNATH DATTA
656, “Snehalata”. l3th Main, 4th Stage, T.K. Layout
Mysore 570009
Email: datta.som@gmail.com
Website “Physics for Pleasure”:http://
www.geocities.com/somdatta.2k

ABSTRACT
The focal points of this article are exact expressions for the E field
caused by a uniformly charged ring of radius R and the B field caused by
a current I flowing along such a ring. We first obtained expressions for
these two fields by direct application of Coulomb’s law and Biot-Savart’s
law respectively, in terms of a new set of Complete Elliptic Integrals
(K(k),H(k)) replacing the conventional pair (K(k),E(k)). Subsequently
we wrote the scalar potential Φ and the vector potential A and re-
established the same results by a second route. The new function H(k)
that replaces E(k) is related to the latter by a simple multiplicative
factor. We checked our formulas against known approximate formulas by
expanding the expressions in power series of Rr .

1 Introduction charge density λ, and is the source of a static

Figure 1 shows the geometry we are concerned
with. It is a ring of radius R lying on the .XY
plane. This ring is the source of a static electric
field E when it is charged uniformly with a line
magnetic field B when a constant current I
flows around it. Our objective in this article is
to obtain exact mathematical expressions for
these fields.
Square and circle being the simplest

Physics Education • September − October 2007 203

geometries one may think that the simplest
examples of static E and B fields are provided
by charges and currents uniformly distributed
over such geometries.1 However, exact
solutions for both these geometries are difficult
to find. Jackson2,3 in both his 2nd and 3rd
editions has given an expression for the vector
potential A due to steady current in a circular
coil in a closed form that involves the elliptic
integrals K(k) and E(k). However, while
writing the B field he has either made
approximations,2 or made series expansions of
the field containing only two terms.3
Figure 1. A ring of uniform charge.
In this article we shall use a substitute for
E(k), for which we have used the symbol H(k).
Although the two functions H(k) and E(k) are
λ 2π
E(r)=
4 πε 0
Similarly the B field at P due to the circular
current I can be obtained directly from Biot-
Savart’s law by evaluating the integral
μ I dr ′ × (r − r ′)
B(r)= 0 ∫
4 π C | r − r ′|3
μ0I 2π Rk + r cos φ ′ (cos θi − sin θk ) + r cos θ sin φ ′j
=
4π ∫ 0
204
related to each other by a simple factor (see Eq.
(24)) and are interchangeable, this new
candidate H(k), rather than its twin E(k),
appears to be most suitable for our job. We
shall use the new pair (K(k), H(k)) to write
exact expressions for the fields E and B and for
the potentials Φ and A.
We shall obtain E and B in two different
ways: first by direct application of Coulomb’s
law and Biot-Savart Law, and then by the other
route, viz., E = −∇Φ and B = ∇×A. We shall
then make series expansions of these fields to
check our results with the approximate
formulas and series expressions written by
Jackson.
We adopt spherical coordinate system, and
(without loss of generality) take the field point
P on the XZ plane. r and r′ are, respectively,
the radius vectors of the field point P and the
source point M, and dr′ is an infinitesimal
segment of the source. Then
r−r′ = (r sinθ−R cosφ′)i−R sinφ′j+r cosθk.
dr′=R(−sin φ′i+cos φ′j)dφ′. (1)
The E field at P due to the circular charge
density λ can be obtained directly from
Coulomb’s law by evaluating the integral
(r sin θ − R cos φ ′)i − R sin φ ′j + r cos k
∫ 0 (r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ ′) 3/ 2
Rdφ ′ (2)
(r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ ′) 2
3
Rdφ ′ (3)
Physics Education • September − October 2007
 Alternatively, one may like to compute E π
and B from the scalar potential Φ and the
vector potential A.
= ∫
0
2
1 − k 2 sin 2 ϑ dϑ (7)

1
∫
λ 2π Rdφ ′ dt
Φ(r)=
4 πε 0 ∫ 0
r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ ′
. H(k)=
0
(1 − t 2 )(1 − k 2 t 2 ) 3
(4) π
dϑ
μ I 2π ( − sin φ ′i + cos φ ′j) Rdφ ′
= ∫ 2
(8)
∫
0 3
A(r)= 0 . (5) (1 − k sin
2 2
ϑ) 2
4π 0
r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ ′
In the above k is a real number lying
Our first task will be to evaluate the integrals between 0 and l. That is, 0≤k≤1. Each one of
given in Eqs.(2)-(5) and obtain closed form the above functions can be identified with a
expressions for these fields. We shall begin hypergeometric series (multiplied by a
with a brief review of the properties of the
elliptic integrals relevant to the sequel. ⎛ a,b ⎞
constant) 2F1 ⎜ ; x⎟ with b= 21 , c=1, x=k2
⎝ c ⎠
2 Important Identities common to all the functions and a= 21 ,− 21 and
3
The complete elliptic integrals of the first kind 2
for K(k), E(k) and H(k) respectively. The
K(k) and the second kind E(k) constitute a pair task can be achieved by Binomial expansion of
of functions4 that are well known for many the integrands, and their integration term by
useful applications in physics and term.4
mathematics,5-7 e.g., time period of a simple
pendulum, evaluation of the circumference of π⎡ ⎛ 1 , 1 2⎞⎤
an ellipse, analysis of the relativistic planetary
K(k)= ⎢ 2 F1 ⎜ 2 2 ; k ⎟ ⎥ . (a)
2 ⎢⎣ ⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎥⎦
orbits, precession of a spinning top, etc. There
are standard tables giving values of these
π⎡ ⎛− 1 , 1 2⎞⎤
functions versus their argument.8 We shall, E(k)= ⎢ 2 F1 ⎜ 2 2 ; k ⎟ ⎥ . (b) (9)
however, find it convenient to find a 2 ⎢⎣ ⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎥⎦
replacement function H(k) for E(k) so that
{K(k), H(k)}, rather than {K(k), E(k)}, will π⎡ ⎛ 3 , 1 2⎞⎤
form the acting pair in this article. These three H(k)= ⎢ 2 F1 ⎜ 2 2 ; k ⎟ ⎥ . (c)
2 ⎢⎣ ⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎥⎦
functions are formally defined as follows.
1 This identification will enable us to exploit
∫
dt
K(k)= some of the known properties of the
0
(1 − t 2 )(1 − k 2 t 2 ) hypergeometric series9 to establish some
important identities crucial in our work. For
π
dϑ example, invoking Euler transformation
= ∫ 0
2

1 − k 2 sin 2 ϑ
, (6)
⎛ a, b ⎞ ⎛ c − a, c − b ⎞
2 F1 ⎜ x⎟ =(1–x)c–a–b 2 F1 ⎜ ; x⎟ (10)
⎝ c ⎠ ⎝ c ⎠
1 1 − k 2t 2
E(k)= ∫ 0 1− t 2
dt
and setting a= 21 ; b=− 21 ;c=1; x=k2 would lead

Physics Education • September − October 2007 205

to identification of H(k) as E(k) multiplied by a 2π dφ
simple factor. Ιp= ∫ 0 (r + R − 2rR sin θ cos φ) p
2 2
, (c)

E(k)=(1−k2)H(k). (11)
with p=− 21 , 1
2
and 3
2
. We set
For another illustration we use the contiguous
relations 4rR sin θ
k= . (15)
x(1–x) dF
dx
=(c−b)F(b−)+(b−c+a−x)F, (a) r + R 2 + 2rR sin θ
2

x dF =b{F(b+)−F}, (b) (12) Note that k≤1, since 0≤θ≤π. For compactness
dx and economy of space we shall introduce the
following variables
⎛ a, b ⎞
where F is an abbreviation for 2 F1 ⎜ ; x⎟
⎝ c ⎠ ρ= r 2 + R 2 + 2rR sin θ ;
⎛ a, b + 1 ⎞ ξ= r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ .
2 F1 ⎜ ; x⎟
and F(b+), F(b−), for and (16)
⎝ c ⎠
They satisfy the following identities which we
⎛ a, b − 1 ⎞ shall find useful.
2 F1 ⎜ ; x⎟ 2
respectively. Setting x=k ,
⎝ c ⎠
2
k2ρ2=4rRsinθ; ξ2=ρ2(1−k2). (17)
1 1 1
a=b= , c = 1 in (12a), and x=k , a= , b=− ,
2 2 2
Now we make the substitution φ = π + 2t. As a
c=1 in (12b) would lead to the following
result
formulas3 for the derivatives of K(k) and E(k).
r2+R2−2rRsinθcosφ=ρ2(1−k2sin2t). (18)
dK ( k ) 1 ⎡ E ( k ) ⎤
= ⎢ − K ( k )⎥
dk k ⎣1 − k 2
⎦ Using Eqs. (6), (8) and (11) the integrals Ιp
can now be readily computed.
1
= [ H ( k ) − K ( k )] , (a) π

Ι − 1 =4ρ ∫ dt 1 − k 2 sin 2 t =4ρE(k). (a)

2
k
2 0
dE ( k ) 1
= [ E ( k ) − K ( k )] . (b) (13) π

∫
dk k 4 dt 4K ( k )
Ι 21 =
2
= . (b) (19)
ρ 0
1 − k sin t
2 2 ρ
3 Evaluation of the Integrals π

∫
4 dt 4 H (k )
A look at Eqs. (2)-(5) (and Eq. (21) to follow) Ι 23 = 2
= . (c)
would suggest that our main task is evaluation ρ 3 0 (1 − k sin t )
2 2 3/ 2
ρ3
of the integrals
For evaluation of Χp let us first note that
2π cos φdφ
Χp= ∫ 0 (r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ) p
, (a)
cosφ=
(r 2 + R 2 ) − (r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ)
.
2rR sin θ
2π sin φdφ
Σp= ∫ 0 (r 2 + R 2 − 2rR sin θ cos φ) p
, (b) (14) (20)
Hence

206 Physics Education • September − October 2007

 1 λR
Χp= [(r2+R2)Ιp–Ιp–1]. (21) E(r)= [rΙ 3 e r − RΧ3 i − RΣ 3 j] . (25)
2rR sin θ 4 πε 0 2 2 2

Using Eqs.(19) we can now evaluate the above Using Eqs.(19), (22) and (23) we get the
integrals for p= 21 , 23 , the cases of relevance to following.
us. 4λR
E(r)= ×
2 4 πε 0ρ 3
Χ 21 = [(r2+R2)K(k)–ρ2E(k)]. (a)
rRρ sin θ
⎡ 1 ⎤
⎢rH ( k )e r − 2r sin θ {(r + R ) H ( k ) − ρ K ( k )i⎥ .
2 2 2

Χ 23 =
2
[(r2+R2)H(k)–ρ2K(k)]. (b) (22) ⎣ ⎦
rRρ3 sin θ
(26)
It is easy to see that
Noting that i=cosθeθ+sinθer, we get
Σp = 0. (23)
λR 2
To see this transparently all one needs to do Er= ×
4 πε 0 rρ 3
is to substitute φ → π+x, so that the integral
becomes [(r2−R2)H(k)+ρ2K(k)]. (a)
π
∫
sin xdx λR 2 cot θ
Σp= − Eθ=− × (27)
−π (r + R + 2rR sin θ cos x ) p
2 2
4 πε 0 rρ3
which is zero since the integrand is an [(r2+R2)H(k)−ρ2K(k)]. (b)
antisymmetric function.

5 Expression for the B Field

4 Expression for the E Field
Noting that eθ=cosθi−sinθk; k=cosθer−sinθeθ,
Equipped with the integration formulas (19)- and using (14) the expression for B given in (3)
(23) writing the expressions for the fields can be rewritten compactly as
becomes an easy task. We shall obtain the r
and θ components of the E and B fields, using μ0I
B(r)= R[RcosθΙ 23 er+
the unit vectors er, and eθ. The appearance of 4π
the index 23 in the denominator of Eqs.(2), (3)
(rΧ 23 −RsinθΙ 23 )eθ+rcosθΣ 23 j]. (28)
leading to the integrals (14), and the formula
(20) make the pair {H(k), K(k)} most suitable Picking up expressions for Ι 23 ,Χ 23 ,Σ 23 from
for writing expressions for E and B. Those (19), (22) and (23), we get
who prefer the conventional pair {E(k), K(k)}
may like to convert H(k) into E(k) using the μ 0 I 4 R 2 cos θ
identities (11) and (17), or the transformation Br= H(k). (a)
4π ρ3
rule
H (k ) E (k ) μ0I 2
= (24) Bθ= × (29)
ρ2 ξ2 4 π ρ sin θ
3

It is seen from Eqs.(2) and (14) that [(r2+R2−2R2sin2θ)H(k)−ρ2K(k)]. (b)

Physics Education • September − October 2007 207
 In a sense Eq.(29) marks the end of this we need to replace H(k) on the right sides of
article. We would however do some extra work the above formulas with E(k), as is obvious
mainly to confirm that the expressions for the from Eq.(13).
B field we have just derived tally with some of
∂E ( k ) dE ( k ) ∂k
the formulas of Jackson.2,3 The formulas we =
have in mind are (1) the exact expression ∂r dk ∂r
Eq.(5.37) for the vector potential A in both
second and third editions, (2) The approximate R2 − r 2
= {E(k)–K(k)}. (a)
formula Eq.(5.40) for B in the second edition, 2 rρ 2
(3) the series formula Eq.(5.40) for B in the
∂E ( k ) dE ( k ) ∂k
third edition. = (32)
∂θ dk ∂θ
6 Obtaining E and B from the Scalar ( R 2 + r 2 ) cot θ
= {E(k)–K(k)}. (b)
Potential Φ and the Vector Potential A 2ρ2
We shall first evaluate and tabulate some
Combining Eqs.(30), (31 ) and (32), and using
derivatives which will be needed in working
the identity (24) to convert E(k) to H(k) when
out the formulas ∇Φ and ∇×A. One can necessary, we get the following formulas to
evaluate the following derivatives from facilitate the next steps in the computations.
Eqs.(15) and (I6)
∂ ⎛ K(k ) ⎞ 1
∂k R sin θ R 2 − r 2 ∂ρ r + R sin θ ⎜ ⎟= ×
= ; = . ∂r ⎝ ρ ⎠ 2rρ3
∂r r ρ3 ∂r ρ
[(R2–r2)H(k)–ρ2K(k)], (a)
∂k 2rR cosθ 2 2 ∂ρ rR cosθ
= (R +r ); = . (30)
∂θ kρ 4 ∂θ ρ ∂ ⎛ K ( k ) ⎞ cot θ
⎜ ⎟= ×
∂θ ⎝ ρ ⎠ 2ρ3
With the help of Eqs.(30), (13) and the first one
of the two identities given in (17) it is now
[(R2+r2)H(k)–ρ2K(k)], (b)
easy to establish the following derivatives of
K(k). ∂ 1
[ρE ( k )] = × (33)
∂K ( k ) dK ( k ) ∂k ∂r 2rρ
=
∂r dk ∂r [(ξ2H(k)+(r2–R2)K(k)], (c)
R2 − r 2 ∂ cot θ
= {H(k)–K(k)}. (a) [ρE ( k )] = ×
2rρ 2
∂θ 2ρ

∂K ( k ) dK ( k ) ∂k [(ξ2H(k) – (r2+R2)K(k)]. (d)

= (31)
∂θ dk ∂θ The expression for the scalar potential
( R + r ) cot θ
2 2 given in Eq.(4) can now be written, using
= {H(k)–K(k)}. (b) Eqs.(14c) and (19b) as
2ρ2
λR λR 4 K ( k )
To obtain the corresponding derivatives of E(k) Φ= Ι1= . (34)
4 πε 0 2 4 πε 0 ρ

208 Physics Education • September − October 2007

The components of E can then be obtained verification of the expressions for the B field as
from this potential by taking its derivatives given in Eq.(29).
with respect to r and θ.

λR ∂ ⎛ K(k ) ⎞ 7 Series Expansion of the B Field in

Er= − 4 ⎜ ⎟; Powers of k
4 πε 0 ∂r ⎝ ρ ⎠
Writing H(k) and. K(k) in terms of the
λR 4 ∂ ⎛ K ( k ) ⎞ hypergeometric series as given in Eqs.(9)
Eθ= − ⎜ ⎟. (35) makes them particularly suitable for series
4 πε 0 r ∂θ ⎝ ρ ⎠
expansion of the E and B fields in powers of
Using the derivative formulas listed in (33) k2. We shall illustrate this by taking up the B
it is now easy to see that the right hand sides of field leaving the other case of E as a simple
Eqs.(35) will give the same expressions as in exercise for the reader.
(27). The special function K(k) and its series
The expression for the vector potential expansion are well known.4 This is not the case
given in Eq.(5) can now be can now be with H(k) which we have introduced in this
converted, using Eqs.(14c) and (19b) to the article for our convenience. It is easy to write
following form which is equivalent to the down the two series using their hypergeometric
expression given by Jackson3 forms given in Eqs.(9).
∞
μ0I π
∑β k
2
A= [(R2+r2)K(k)–ρ2E(k)]eφ,. (36) K(k)= 2n
; where
4 π rρ sin θ 2
n
n=0

since i=eφ on the ZX-plane. The r and θ

[ ]
2
( 2 n −1)!!
components of B are then given as β0=1, βn= for n=1,2,3,…
2 n n!

1 ∂ ∞
Br= {sin θAφ } π
r sin θ ∂θ H(k)=
2 ∑α k
n=0
n
2n
; where
μ0I 2
= ×
4 π r 2 sin θ αn=(2n+1)βn, n=0,1,2,3,… (38)
We shall find it convenient to change the
⎡ ∂ ⎪⎧ 2 2 ⎛ K(k ) ⎞ ⎪⎫⎤
⎢ ⎨( R + r )⎜ ⎟ − ρE ( k ) ⎬⎥ . variable from k2 to
⎢⎣ ∂θ ⎪⎩ ⎝ ρ ⎠ ⎪⎭⎥⎦
k 2 rR sin θ 1
x= = ; x≤ (39)
1 ∂ 4 ρ 2
4
Bθ= − {rAφ }
r ∂r
It now follows that
μ I 2
=− 0 × ∞
4 π r sin θ π
⎡ ∂ ⎪⎧ 2 2 ⎛ K(k ) ⎞ ⎪⎫⎤
K(k)=
2 ∑b x n
n
; where
⎢ ⎨( R + r )⎜ ⎟ − ρE ( k ) ⎬⎥ . (37) n= 0
⎢⎣ ∂r ⎪⎩ ⎝ ρ ⎠ ⎪⎭⎥⎦
Collecting the derivatives from (33) the b0=1; bn= [ ( 2 n −1)!! 2
n! ]
for n=1,2,3,…
remaining steps can be completed leading to

Physics Education • September − October 2007 209

 ∞
π (rR sin θ) 2
H(k)=
2 ∑a x
n= 0
n
n
; where r2+R2−2R2sin2θ=ρ2−2rRsinθ − 2
r2

an=(2n+1)bn for n=0,1,2,3,… (40) ⎡ ρ2 x 2 ⎤

=ρ2 ⎢1 − 2 x − 2 2 ⎥ . (44)
Going back to Eq.(29a) it is now easy to make ⎢⎣ r ⎥⎦
a series expansion of Br:
We now rewrite Bθ of Eq.(29b) in the
∞
μ 0 I πR cos θ
2 following way.
Br=
4π ρ 3
2 an x n .
n=0
∑ (41)
μ0I 2
Bθ= Λ; where
4 π ρ 3 sin θ
Note that a0=1, a1=3, a2= 45
4
. Therefore,
ρ2 x 2
Λ=r2[H(k)−K(k)−2xH(k)−2 H(k)]. (45)
2 2(r + R ) + 10rR sin θ
2 2
r2
2(a0+a1x+a2x )=
ρ2 Going back to Eq.(38) we can now make a
power series expansion of Λ. It is seen from
45(rR sin θ) 2 2(r 2 + R 2 ) + rR sin θ Eq.(40) that a0−b0=0; a1−b1−2a0=0. Hence,
+ =
2ρ4 ρ2 with a little manipulation
∞
3rR sin θ{3(r 2 + R 2 ) + (6 + 15 )rR sin θ}
∑
1 2 2
+ 2
. (42) Λ= ρxπ cn x n ; where
ρ4 2 n= 0
We have written the series in two different
ways to underline the fact that the terms of the ρ2
cn=an+2−bn+2−2an+1 −2 an . (46)
series are not unique. This ambiguity can be r2
removed if we specify which one of the three
variables r, R, sinθ is large compared to the Using the coefficients given in Eq.(40) it is
other two. We shall do this exercise in the next now simple exercise to prove that
section. If we adopt the second line of Eq.(42) ⎡ (2n + 3)(2n + 1) ρ2 ⎤
then we get the following expansion for Br. cn=2(2n+1) ⎢ − 2 ⎥bn . (47)
⎢⎣ (n + 1)(n + 2) r ⎥⎦
μ 0 I πR cos θ
2
Br= [{2(r2+R2)+rRsinθ}+ Combining Eq.(45) with (46) and using (39)
4π ρ5
we get the desired series for Bθ.
3rR sin θ
{3(r 2
+ R 2 ) + (6 + 15 )rR sin θ +…}] μ 0 I πR 2 2
∞
ρ2 ∑
2
Bθ= r sin θ cn x n (48)
4 π ρ5 n=0
(43)
We shall now work out the first two
If we retain only the first term inside the
coefficients of the above series with the help of
square brackets, we get the same approximate
Eq.(47).
expression as given in Ref.2.
We now come to the series expansion of 2ρ2 r 2 − 2 R 2 − 4rR sin θ
the expression for Bθ as given in Eq.(29b). First c0 = 3 − 2
= ;
note that r r2

210 Physics Education • September − October 2007

 ⎛ 5 ρ2 ⎞ 3[3r 2 − 2 R 2 − 4rR sin θ] (a)
c1= 6⎜ − 2 ⎟ = . (49)
⎝2 r ⎠ r2 1 1 ⎡ R 5 R2 ⎤
= ⎢1 − 5 sin θ − (1 − 7 sin 2
θ ) +...⎥
Hence, ρ5 5
r ⎢⎣ r 2 r 2
⎥⎦

μ 0 IR 2 sin θ
[r
(b) (51)
Bθ= 2
− 2 R 2 − 4rR sin θ +
4ρ5 R ⎛ R ⎞
x= sin θ⎜ 1 − 2 sin θ⎟ + . . .;
r ⎝ r ⎠
3rR sin θ ⎤
{3r 2 − 2 R 2 − 4rR sin θ}+...⎥ 2
ρ 2
⎦ ⎛R ⎞
x2= ⎜ sin θ⎟ + . . . (c)
⎝r ⎠
=
μ 0 IR 2 sin θ
4ρ 5 [r 2
− 2 R 2 − rR sin θ + We now go back to Eq.(41) for Br. The
required coefficients are written below Eq.(41).
Then
3rR sin θ ⎤
{3r 2 − 2 R 2 − 6rR sin θ}+...⎥ . (50)
ρ 2
⎦ μ 0 I 2 πR 2 cos θ 1
Br≈ ×
4π r3 r3
Again we have written the expansion in two
different ways, the first one with direct ⎡ R 3 R2 ⎤
⎢1 − 3 sin θ − (1 − 5 sin θ) 2 +...⎥ ×
2
application of Eqs.(49) and (48), and the
second one by a readjustment of terms so that ⎢⎣ r 2 r ⎥⎦
the first order term in the second line becomes
identical with the approximate expression ⎡ R ⎛ R ⎞ 45 ⎛ R sin θ ⎞ ⎤
2
⎢1 + 3 sin θ⎜ 1 − 2 sin θ⎟ + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥.
given in Ref.2. ⎢⎣ r ⎝ r ⎠ 4 ⎝ r ⎠ ⎥
⎦

8 Expansion for r > R (52)

Simplifying we get
We shall obtain series expansions of Br and Bθ
in the powers of Rr assuming that r>R, i.e. for μ 0 I 2 πR 2 cos θ
Br= ×
the regions at radial distances larger than the 4π r3
radius of the coil. The other case, viz., r<R, in
the powers of Rr , can be worked out by the ⎡ ⎛ 15 2 3⎞ R2 ⎤
⎢1 + ⎜ sin θ − ⎟ 2 +...⎥ (53)
reader who will closely follow the current ⎢⎣ ⎝ 4 ⎠
2 r ⎦⎥
example. We shall begin by constructing a few
preliminary series which will serve as the Series expansion for Bθ is slightly more
building blocks for our work. We shall limit difficult because the coefficients cns in Eq.(48)
each series to terms of the order ( Rr )2. From are not constant terms. Each one of them is
quadratic in Rr . The first two are already in
Eqs.(39) and (16)
Eq.(49). We need one more
1 1 ⎡ R 3 R2 ⎤
= ⎢1 − 3 sin θ − (1 − 5 sin 2
θ ) +...⎥
ρ 3 3
r ⎢⎣ r 2 r 2
⎥⎦

Physics Education • September − October 2007 211

 ⎡ 7 × 5 ρ2 ⎤ 9 Acknowledgements
c2=2×5 ⎢ − 2⎥ =
⎢⎣ 3 × 4 r ⎥⎦ 4 The author is indebted to Prof. S. Bhargava,
Deptt. of Mathematics, University of Mysore,
45 ⎡ 23r 2 − 12 R 2 − 24rR sin θ ⎤ Prof. N. Mukunda, Centre for Theoretical
⎢ ⎥. (54)
4 ⎢⎣ 6r 2 ⎥⎦ Studies, IISc Bangalore and Prof. David
Griffith of Reed College, USA for going
We now evaluate the three relevant terms in through the manuscript and giving their
the series using Eq.(51b), (49) and (47). valuable comments.
c0
= References
ρ5
1. S. Datta, “Magnetic torque between a
1 ⎡ R ⎛ 75 2 9⎞ R2 ⎤ rectangular horizontal coil and a rectangular
⎢1 − 9 sin θ + ⎜ sin θ − ⎟ 2 +...⎥ . swinging coil”, Physics Education Vol. 24,
5
r ⎢⎣ r ⎝ 2 ⎠
2 r ⎥⎦ No.2, 89-98. In this article the author has
worked out an exact expression for the B field
c1 x 1 ⎡ R R2 ⎤ due to a constant current flowing through a
= ⎢ 9 sin θ − 75 sin 2 θ +...⎥ . (55) rectangular coil.
ρ5 5
r ⎢⎣ r r 2
⎥⎦ 2. J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, 2nd
Ed. (Wiley Eastern, New Delhi, 1978) pp.177-
c2 x 2 1 ⎡ 23 × 15 R 2 ⎤ 180.
= 5 ⎢
sin 2 θ +...⎥ . 3. J.D. Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd
ρ 5
r ⎢⎣ 8 r 2
⎥⎦ Ed. (John Wiley, Singapore, 2004) pp.181-183.
4. G.B. Arfken and H.J. Walker, Mathematical
Adding the above three lines we get Methods for Physicists, 4th Ed. (Academic
Press-Prism Books, Bangalore, 1995) pp.331-
1 ⎡ ⎛ 45 2 9⎞ R2 ⎤
2

∑
1
cn x n = ⎢1 + ⎜ sin θ − ⎟ ⎥ +...
337.
ρ5 n= 0
r 5 ⎢⎣ ⎝ 8 2 ⎠ r 2 ⎥⎦ 5. H.C. Corben and P. Stehle, Classical
Mechanics, 2nd Ed. (Wiley, 1960) pp.50-53.
(56) 6. T.C. Bradbury, Theoretical Mechanics, Wiley
International Edn (Wiley, New York, 1968)
Hence from Eq.(48) p.225.
7. D.P. Lawden, Elliptic Functions and
μ I πR 2 sin θ Applications (Springer-Verlag, New York,
Bθ= 0
4π r3 1989) Ch. 3,4,5.
8. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 44th Ed.
⎡ ⎛ 45 2 ⎤ 2 (The Chemical Rubber and Publishing Co.,
9⎞ R
⎢1 + ⎜ sin θ − ⎟ 2 +...⎥ . (57) Cleveland, Ohio, 1963) pp.230-235.
⎢⎣ ⎝ 8 2⎠ r ⎥⎦ 9. G.E. Andrews, R. Askey and R. Roy, Special
Functions (Cambridge Univ, Cambridge 1999)
The expressions for Br, Bθ given in (53) and pp.61-64, 68, 94-97.
(57) tally with their counterparts presented by
Jackson3 when the terms written by him are
expanded in the power series of ar .

212 Physics Education • September − October 2007