Ampere’s Circuital Law and Its Applications:

A Comprehensive Textbook
Grok 3

May 7, 2025

Contents
1 Introduction 1

2 Magnetic Field from a Circular Current Loop 2

2.1 Theoretical Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Derivation Using Symmetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Numerical Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 Ampere’s Circuital Law 4

3.1 Definition and Integral Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Differential Form via Stokes’ Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Application to a Long Straight Wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.4 Application to a Coaxial Transmission Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

4 Ampere’s Circuital Law Applications 7

4.1 Numerical Example: Parallel Current Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2 Additional Numerical Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5 Maxwell’s Equations and Stokes’ Theorem 9

5.1 Point Form of Ampere’s Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.2 Static Electric Field and Conservative Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.3 Stokes’ Theorem and Ampere’s Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6 Conclusion 10

1 Introduction
Ampere’s circuital law is a cornerstone of electromagnetism, relating the mag-
netic field to the electric current that produces it. This chapter explores the law’s
theoretical foundation, mathematical formulations, and practical applications,
such as calculating magnetic fields for wires, coaxial cables, and current sheets.
We will cover the law from basic principles to advanced scenarios, including its

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role in Maxwell’s equations and its connection to Stokes’ theorem. The expla-
nations are designed to be thorough, with step-by-step derivations, numerical
examples, and illustrative diagrams, making this a complete learning resource.

2 Magnetic Field from a Circular Current Loop

The magnetic field produced by a circular current loop is a fundamental problem
in electromagnetics, often encountered in applications like solenoids and mag-
netic dipoles. This section revisits the calculation using symmetry to simplify the
analysis.

2.1 Theoretical Background

Consider a circular loop of radius ρ in the x-y plane, centered at the origin, car-
rying a steady current I in the azimuthal direction (aϕ ). We aim to find the mag-
netic field H at a point on the z-axis, (0, 0, h).
The magnetic field is calculated using the Biot-Savart law:
IdL × aR
dH = , (1)
4πR2
where dL is the differential current element, aR is the unit vector from the ele-
ment to the field point, and R is the distance.

2.2 Derivation Using Symmetry

In cylindrical coordinates, the current element is:

dL = ρdϕaϕ . (2)

The position of the element is (ρ cos ϕ, ρ sin ϕ, 0), and the field point is (0, 0, h). The
vector R is:

R = (0, 0, h) − (ρ cos ϕ, ρ sin ϕ, 0) = −ρ cos ϕax − ρ sin ϕay + haz . (3)

In cylindrical coordinates, −ρ cos ϕax − ρ sin ϕay = −ρaρ , so:

p
R = −ρaρ + haz , R = ρ2 + h2 . (4)

The unit vector is:

−ρaρ + haz
aR = p . (5)
ρ2 + h2
Calculate:

dL × R = (ρdϕaϕ ) × (−ρaρ + haz ) = ρdϕ[(−ρ)(aϕ × aρ ) + h(aϕ × az )]. (6)

Using aϕ × aρ = az and aϕ × az = −aρ :

dL × R = ρdϕ(−ρaz − haρ ) = (−ρ2 dϕaz − ρhdϕaρ ). (7)

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Thus:
I
dH = (−ρ2 dϕaz − ρhdϕaρ ). (8)
4π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2
The radial component involves aρ = cos ϕax + sin ϕay . Integrating over ϕ = 0
to 2π: Z 2π Z 2π
cos ϕdϕ = 0, sin ϕdϕ = 0, (9)
0 0

so the radial component Hρ = 0 due to symmetry (contributions from opposite

sides of the loop cancel).
The z-component is:

I(−ρ2 dϕ) Iρ2 dϕ

dHz = = − . (10)
4π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2 4π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2

Integrate:
Z 2π
Iρ2 dϕ Iρ2 Iρ2
Hz = − = − · 2π = − . (11)
0 4π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2 4π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2 2(ρ2 + h2 )3/2

Correcting for direction (right-hand rule shows positive z-direction for positive
current):
Iρ2
H= az . (12)
2(ρ2 + h2 )3/2
The numerator Iρ2 = I(πρ2 )/π, where πρ2 is the loop’s area. The magnetic
moment is:
m = I(πρ2 )az , (13)
so:
m
H= . (14)
2π(ρ2 + h2 )3/2

z
H
(0, 0, h)

Loop, radius ρ

Figure 1: Magnetic field due to a circular current loop on the z-axis.

Figure 1 (inspired by Figure 7.8(b) in the PDF) shows the loop and its magnetic
field lines, resembling a magnetic dipole.

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2.3 Numerical Example
A circular loop in the plane x2 + y 2 = 9, z = 0, carries 10 A in the aϕ direction.
Find H at (0, 0, 4) and√(0, 0, −4).
The radius is ρ = 9 = 3 m, I = 10 A. Use Equation 12:

Iρ2
H= az . (15)
2(ρ2 + h2 )3/2
• At (0, 0, 4), h = 4:

ρ2 + h2 = 9 + 16 = 25, (ρ2 + h2 )3/2 = 253/2 = 125. (16)

10 · 9 90
H= az = az = 0.36az A/m. (17)
2 · 125 250
• At (0, 0, −4), h = −4, so ρ2 + h2 = 25. The z-component’s sign depends on the
current direction, but symmetry and the right-hand rule confirm the field
is in the same direction:
H = 0.36az A/m. (18)

3 Ampere’s Circuital Law

Ampere’s circuital law is a powerful tool for calculating magnetic fields in cases
with high symmetry, complementing the Biot-Savart law.

3.1 Definition and Integral Form

Ampere’s circuital law states that the line integral of the magnetic field intensity
H around a closed path equals the total current enclosed by that path:
I
H · dl = Ienc , (19)
L

where Ienc is the net current passing through the surface bounded by the path L,
and dl is the differential path element.
The law reflects the fact that currents produce circulating magnetic fields.
The direction of integration follows the right-hand rule: curl your fingers around
the path, and your thumb points in the direction of positive current through the
surface.
For a wire carrying current I, an Amperian loop (a circular path around the
wire) encloses the current, and the magnetic field is constant in magnitude along
the loop, simplifying the calculation.

3.2 Differential Form via Stokes’ Theorem

Apply Stokes’ theorem to the left-hand side of Equation 19:
I Z
H · dl = (∇ × H) · dS, (20)
L S

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where S is the surface bounded by L. The right-hand side is:
Z
Ienc = J · dS, (21)
S

where J is the current density (A/m²). Equating the surface integrals:

Z Z
(∇ × H) · dS = J · dS. (22)
S S

Since this holds for any surface S, the integrands must be equal:

∇ × H = J. (23)

This is Ampere’s law in differential (point) form, one of Maxwell’s equations for
static fields.
In Cartesian coordinates, the curl is:
     
∂Hz ∂Hy ∂Hx ∂Hz ∂Hy ∂Hx
∇×H= − ax + − ay + − az . (24)
∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x ∂x ∂y

3.3 Application to a Long Straight Wire

Consider an infinitely long wire along the z-axis carrying current I in the +z
direction. Symmetry suggests that H is azimuthal (aϕ -directed) and depends only
on the radial distance ρ.
Choose a circular Amperian loop of radius ρ in the x-y plane, centered on the
wire. The path element is dl = ρdϕaϕ . The magnetic field is H = Hϕ aϕ , assumed
constant along the loop due to symmetry. The line integral is:
I Z 2π Z 2π
H · dl = Hϕ (ρdϕ) = Hϕ ρ dϕ = Hϕ · 2πρ. (25)
0 0

The enclosed current is Ienc = I. Thus:

I
Hϕ · 2πρ = I, Hϕ = . (26)
2πρ

So:
I
H= aϕ . (27)
2πρ
This matches the result from the Biot-Savart law, confirming Ampere’s law’s util-
ity for symmetric cases.
Figure 2 shows the wire and the circular Amperian loop used to calculate H.

3.4 Application to a Coaxial Transmission Line

A coaxial transmission line consists of two concentric conductors: an inner con-
ductor of radius a and an outer conductor from radius b to b + t, carrying equal
and opposite currents I (inner: +z, outer: −z). The line is infinitely long, and

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 Wire
z

I L
xH

Figure 2: Amperian loop around a straight wire for Ampere’s law.

symmetry suggests H is aϕ -directed and depends only on ρ. We calculate H in

four regions: 0 ≤ ρ ≤ a, a ≤ ρ ≤ b, b ≤ ρ ≤ b + t, and ρ ≥ b + t.
The inner conductor has uniform current density:
I
J= az . (28)
πa2
For an Amperian loop of radius ρ < a, the enclosed current is:
Z ρ Z 2π
I ′ I Iρ2
Ienc = ρ dϕdρ ′
az · az = · πρ 2
= . (29)
0 0 πa2 πa2 a2
Apply Ampere’s law:
Iρ2 Iρ
Hϕ · 2πρ = , Hϕ = . (30)
a2 2πa2
So:
Iρ
aϕ . H= (31)
2πa2
The entire inner conductor’s current is enclosed:

Ienc = I. (32)

Thus:
I I
Hϕ · 2πρ = I, Hϕ = , H= aϕ . (33)
2πρ 2πρ
The outer conductor has current density:
I
J=− az . (34)
π[(b + t)2 − b2 ]
The enclosed current includes the inner conductor’s I and the outer conductor’s
contribution from b to ρ:
Z ρ Z 2π  
I
Ienc = I + − 2 − b2 ]
ρ′ dϕdρ′ . (35)
b 0 π[(b + t)
Calculate:
Z Z  
ρ 2π
ρ2 − b 2 I(ρ2 − b2 )
′ ′
ρ dϕdρ = 2π , Ienc = I − . (36)
b 0 2 (b + t)2 − b2

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Simplify (b + t)2 − b2 = t2 + 2bt:
 
ρ2 − b 2
Ienc =I 1− 2 . (37)
t + 2bt

Thus:    
ρ2 − b2 I ρ2 − b 2
Hϕ · 2πρ = I 1 − 2 , Hϕ = 1− 2 . (38)
t + 2bt 2πρ t + 2bt
So:  
I ρ2 − b 2
H= 1− 2 aϕ . (39)
2πρ t + 2bt
The total enclosed current is:

Ienc = I − I = 0. (40)

Thus:
Hϕ · 2πρ = 0, H = 0. (41)

 Iρ

 aϕ , 0 ≤ ρ ≤ a,

 2πa2


 I aϕ , a ≤ ρ ≤ b,
H = 2πρ   (42)

 I ρ2 − b 2

 1 − aϕ , b ≤ ρ ≤ b + t,

 2πρ t2 + 2bt


0, ρ ≥ b + t.
Figure 3 (inspired by Figure 7.13 in the PDF) shows the coaxial cable’s cross-
section and a plot of Hϕ versus ρ.

Inner Outer ρ
a bb + t

Figure 3: Cross-section of a coaxial transmission line.

4 Ampere’s Circuital Law Applications

This section explores advanced applications, focusing on current sheets and their
magnetic fields.
Magnetic Field Due to a Current Sheet Consider an infinite current sheet in
the x-y plane at z = 0, with surface current density K = Ky ay A/m. Symmetry
suggests H is x-directed (ax ) and constant above and below the sheet.
Choose a rectangular Amperian loop crossing the sheet, with sides parallel to
the x-axis at z = z1 (above) and z = z2 (below), and length L along x. The magnetic
field is H = Hx ax . The line integral is:
I
H · dl = Hx1 L + Hx2 (−L) = (Hx1 − Hx2 )L, (43)

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where Hx1 is above and Hx2 is below. The enclosed current is:

Ienc = Ky · L. (44)

Thus:
Hx1 − Hx2 = Ky . (45)
The field is discontinuous across the sheet by the surface current density.
Assume the sheet is at z = 0. For an upward normal (+az above, −az below),
the field is: 

− 1 Ky ax , z > 0,
H= 12 (46)

 Ky ax , z < 0.
2
This can be written as:
1
H = − (K × an ), (47)
2
where an is the normal pointing into the region of interest.

z
H
L

K = Ky a y x

Figure 4: Amperian loop for a current sheet.

Figure 4 shows the current sheet and the rectangular Amperian loop.

4.1 Numerical Example: Parallel Current Sheets

Planes at z = 0 and z = 4 carry surface current densities K = −10ax A/m and
K = 10ax A/m, respectively. Find H at (a) (1, 1, 1) and (b) (0, −3, 10).
The field due to a current sheet is H = − 21 (K × an ). Let H = H0 + H4 , where H0
and H4 are contributions from the sheets at z = 0 and z = 4.

• For z = 0, K = −10ax . Above (z > 0), an = az :

1 1
H0 = − [(−10ax ) × az ] = − (−10ay ) = 5ay A/m. (48)
2 2

• For z = 4, K = 10ax . Below (z < 4), an = −az :

1 1
H4 = − [(10ax ) × (−az )] = − (−10ay ) = 5ay A/m. (49)
2 2

Total:
H = 5ay + 5ay = 10ay A/m. (50)

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 • For z = 0, an = az :
H0 = 5ay A/m. (51)

• For z = 4, an = az (above z = 4):

1 1
H4 = − [(10ax ) × az ] = − (10ay ) = −5ay A/m. (52)
2 2

Total:
H = 5ay − 5ay = 0 A/m. (53)
Figure 7.14 in the PDF likely shows two parallel current sheets at z = 0 and
z = 4, with current directions and field contributions labeled.

4.2 Additional Numerical Example

A single current sheet at z = 0 has K = 20ay A/m. Find H at (2, 3, −1).
For z < 0, an = −az :
1 1
H = − [(20ay ) × (−az )] = − (−20ax ) = 10ax A/m. (54)
2 2

5 Maxwell’s Equations and Stokes’ Theorem

Ampere’s circuital law is a static form of one of Maxwell’s equations, and its
derivation involves Stokes’ theorem.

5.1 Point Form of Ampere’s Law

The differential form, Equation 23, is:

∇ × H = J. (55)

This states that the curl of the magnetic field at a point equals the current density,
linking local field behavior to current sources.

5.2 Static Electric Field and Conservative Fields

For comparison, the electric field in static conditions is conservative:
I
E · dl = 0, ∇ × E = 0. (56)

A zero curl indicates a conservative field, meaning the work done by E around
a closed path is zero.

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5.3 Stokes’ Theorem and Ampere’s Law
Start with the differential form:

∇ × H = J. (57)

Integrate over a surface S:

Z Z
(∇ × H) · dS = J · dS = Ienc . (58)
S S

Apply Stokes’ theorem: Z I

(∇ × H) · dS = H · dl. (59)
S L

Thus: I
H · dl = Ienc , (60)
L

recovering the integral form. This confirms the consistency between the point
and integral forms of Ampere’s law.

6 Conclusion
This chapter has provided a comprehensive exploration of Ampere’s circuital
law, from its application to simple current loops and wires to complex structures
like coaxial cables and current sheets. The law’s integral and differential forms,
linked by Stokes’ theorem, form a foundation for electromagnetic analysis. Nu-
merical examples and diagrams illustrate practical applications, equipping you
to analyze magnetic fields in engineering and physics contexts.

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