Multipole Expansion of A

Let us calculate the vector potential of a current loop:

The magnetic monopole term (n=0) is always zero:

The leading term is the magnetic dipole (n=1):

Stoke’s theorem, c=const vector area of the loop

magnetic dipole moment

 For a volume current distribution:
� � � 3 �
� µ0 J(�r )d r
A(�r) =
4π |�r − �r� |

Again, the magnetic monopole term (n=0) is always zero. To show

it, we note that

because of the continuity equation

If we put m at the origin along the z axis:
Example: Find the magnetic moment of the “bookend-shaped”
loop. All sides have length w, and it carries a current I.

We use the superposition principle:

= +
Example: Find the magnetic moment of a spherical shell,
radius R, carrying a uniform surface charge σ, is spinning at
angular velocity ω.

Expressing in terms of the total charge on the shell:

 Torque on the magnetic dipole

The volume element d3r receives the Lorentz force

hence the total torque is: