Electric field with constant direction

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of an electric field defined by E_{x}=ax, E_{y}=0, and E_{z}=0, where 'a' is a constant. Participants explore the implications of a constant charge density and how it leads to a field that points in a constant direction. The relationship between the electric field and boundary conditions is emphasized, noting that the solution to the partial differential equation (PDE) div E=a is not unique without specific boundary conditions. The analogy of a charged body resembling a mug with infinite thickness and height is proposed as a potential explanation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Classical Electrodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with electric field equations and vector calculus
  • Knowledge of partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Concept of boundary conditions in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of boundary conditions on electric fields
  • Explore solutions to the PDE div E=a in different geometries
  • Learn about charge density distributions and their effects on electric fields
  • Investigate the uniqueness of solutions in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, particularly those studying electrodynamics, educators teaching electric field concepts, and researchers exploring electrostatic phenomena.

Grieverheart
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
I just started Classical Electrodynamics and stumbled upon a problem:

An electric field has this form:

[tex]E_{x}=ax ,E_{y}=0 ,E_{z}=0[/tex]

where a is a constant.Find the density of the charge(ok that's easy).How do you explain that the field points towards a constant direction although the density of the charge is homogene?

Ok,so I though maybe the charged body is like mug with infinite thickness and an infinite height.Is this correct?Is there a way to find the answer mathematically?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The charge density is constant, but the solution to the PDE div E=a is not unique.
The solution for E also depends on the boundary conditions.
In this case the BC as x, y, and -->infinity determines E.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
894
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
782
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K