2
$\begingroup$

I'm reading Landau's Electrodynamic of continuous media, specifically the following paragraph of section §29 (The magnetic field of a constant current):

If a conductor carries a non-zero total current, the mean current density in it can be written as $\rho{\bf v}= c\ {\bf curl}\ {\bf M}+{\bf j}$. The first term, resulting from the magnetisation of the medium, makes no contribution to the total current, so that the net charge through a cross-section of the body is given by the integral $\int {\bf j}\cdot d{\bf f}$ of the second term. The quantity ${\bf j}$ is called the conduction current density.$\dagger$ The statements made in §20 apply to this current; in particular, the energy dissipated per unit time and volume is $\bf{E}\cdot\bf{j}$.

In section §20 appears the Ohm's law. My question is: why magnetisation current ${\bf j_M}= c\ {\bf curl}\ {\bf M}$ doesn't contribute to Ohm's law?

In other words: let ${\bf j_t}={\bf j_f}+{\bf j_b}$ be the total current density, with ${\bf j_b}=c\ {\bf curl}\ {\bf M}$ the bounded (magnetisation) current density. Is ${\bf j_f}=\sigma {\bf E}$ the Ohm's law?

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

1
$\begingroup$

Ohms law applies to free charges. The magnetization current applies to bound charges. The total current is the sum of the two.

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for your answer, but I'm asking why Ohm's law applies only for free currents $\endgroup$
    – slaaidenn
    Commented May 30, 2017 at 21:38
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @adiselann because the charges producing the magnetization current $curlM$ do not collide with or scatter off anything, especially not the ions of the conducting material. And of course the external electric field $E$ has no effect on the bound current whatsoever. $\endgroup$
    – hyportnex
    Commented May 30, 2017 at 22:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.