Dielectric Sphere in Field of a Point Charge

In summary, the conversation discussed the electric potential equations inside and outside a sphere due to a point charge, with the potentials given by specific equations. The constants A_n and B_n were calculated based on boundary conditions, but none of them were equal to zero. The individual wondered if there was a way to truncate the infinite sums and simplify the equations, but it was concluded that this was not possible.
  • #1
Apteronotus
202
0
Hi,
I have derived the electric potential equations inside and outside the sphere due to a point charge [tex]q[/tex] placed a distance [tex]b[/tex] way from the sphere's center. The potentials are given by:
[tex]\Phi_{in}(r,\theta) = \sum^{\infty}_{n=0} A_{n}r^{n}P_{n}(cos\theta)
[/tex]
and
[tex]\Phi_{out}(r,\theta) = \sum^{\infty}_{n=0} \frac{kr^{n}}{b^{n+1}} + \sum^{\infty}_{n=0}\frac{B_{n}}{r^{n+1}}P_{n}(cos\theta)
[/tex]

where
[tex]k=\frac{q}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}}[/tex] and [tex]P_{n}[/tex] - are the Legendre polynomials

I have calculated the the constants [tex]A_{n}[/tex] and [tex]B_{n}[/tex] according to the usual boundary conditions. Unfortunately, almost non of them are equal to zero unlike the the case of a 'sphere in a uniform field'. Is there any way of truncating these infinite sums to end up with something nice and clean?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No. It is an infinite series.
 

1. What is a dielectric sphere?

A dielectric sphere is a material that can store and transmit electric charge, but does not conduct electricity. It is often used as an insulator in electrical circuits.

2. What is the field of a point charge?

The field of a point charge refers to the region around a single, isolated charge where its electric force can affect other charges. It is a vector quantity that describes the strength and direction of the electric force at any point in space.

3. How does a dielectric sphere interact with a point charge?

When a point charge is placed near a dielectric sphere, the electric field is altered due to the presence of the dielectric material. The electric field inside the sphere is weaker than the field outside, and the direction of the field is also changed.

4. What is the significance of studying the interaction between a dielectric sphere and a point charge?

Understanding the interaction between a dielectric sphere and a point charge is important in various fields, such as electronics, materials science, and electromagnetism. It allows us to design and analyze devices and materials that utilize dielectric properties, such as capacitors and insulators.

5. Are there any real-world applications of a dielectric sphere in a field of a point charge?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of this phenomenon. For example, dielectric materials are used in the construction of capacitors, which are essential components in electronic devices. They are also used in insulating coatings for power lines and transformers to reduce energy loss and increase efficiency.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
775
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
385
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
Back
Top