Gradient equation with retarded time

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the expansion of a gradient equation related to radiation problems, specifically involving the electric dipole moment and retarded time. The equation in question is \nabla ( \hat{r} /r^2 \cdot \vec{p}(t_o)), where t_o is defined as t - r/c.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the expansion of the gradient equation into four main parts, questioning how specific terms relate to the desired expression involving the derivative of the dipole moment. There are attempts to clarify which term contributes to a specific result and how to properly expand certain components.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing insights and corrections. Some have identified specific terms in the expansion that relate to the dipole moment's derivative, while others express confusion about the expansions and seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of using Cartesian tensors and the chain rule, indicating a mathematical framework within which the problem is being analyzed. Participants are also grappling with the implications of the retarded time and its effect on the dipole moment's behavior.

ucclarke
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For a radiation problem,
i am desperate about the expansion of the following equation:
[tex]\nabla ( \hat{r} /r^2 \cdot \vec{p}(t_o))[/tex]

where [tex]t_o[/tex] is the retarded time at the center
[tex]t_o=t-r/c[/tex]

and [tex]\vec{p}(t_o)[/tex] is the electric dipole moment at [tex]t_o[/tex]

actually, it expands to 4 main parts and i am unable to figure out the last one, namely:
[tex]\hat{r} /r^2 \times (\nabla \times \vec{p}(t_o))[/tex]

it would be magnifique if anyone can figure out the expansion of that term
 
Last edited:
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[tex]\nabla\left[\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\cdot\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)\right][/tex]

[tex]=\left(\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\cdot\nabla\right)\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)+\left[\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)\cdot\nabla\right]\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\ +\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\times\left[\nabla\times\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)\right][/tex]

[tex]+\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)\times\left(\nabla\times\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\right)[/tex]

All 4 of them,okay?

Daniel.
 
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ok, it's actually [tex]\nabla\left[\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{2}}\cdot\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right )\right][/tex], but really fine, thanks a lot.

so may i ask which one of these terms give out [tex](\hat{r}\cdot\dot{p}(t_o))\hat{r}[/tex] and how?
 
Nope,u said

[tex]\frac{\hat{r}}{r^{2}}\equiv\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}[/tex]

The first.

Daniel.
 
yes, :)
you caught me, I've misread yours

but what about [tex](\hat{r}\cdot\dot{p}(t_o))\hat{r}[/tex] ? do you happen to figure out which of four gives it and how?
 
I've told you,use the chain rule for the first of the 4.

Daniel.
 
i find this out of the first one
[tex](p(t_o)-3(\hat{r}\cdot p(t_o))\hat{r})/r^3[/tex]

approved?
 
no, okay this's from the second one i fnd
 
i can't expand [tex]=\left(\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\cdot\nabla\right)\vec {p}\left(t_{o}\right)[/tex] as it should be. mine doesn't satisfy the given answer

can anyone help?

i am going NUTS here
 
  • #10
[tex]I=\left(\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}\cdot\nabla\right)\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)[/tex] (1)

Use cartesian tensors

[tex]I=\frac{x_{i}}{r^{3}}\partial_{i}p_{j}\left(t_{o}\right)\vec{e}_{j}[/tex] (2)

[tex]\partial_{i}p_{j}=-\frac{1}{c}\frac{dp_{j}}{dt_{o}}\frac{\partial r}{\partial x_{j}}=-\frac{\dot{p}_{j}\left(t_{o}\right)}{c} \frac{x_{i}}{r}[/tex] (3)

[tex]I=-\frac{\dot{p}_{j}\left(t_{o}\right)}{c} \frac{x_{i}}{r^{3}}\frac{x_{i}}{r} \vec{e}_{j} =-\frac{\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)}{c r^{2}}[/tex]

Daniel.
 
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  • #11
thanx a lot, that's exactly what i found too

then my mistake is certainly in the expansion of [tex]\left[\vec{p}\left(t_{o}\right)\cdot\nabla\right]\frac{\vec{r}}{r^{3}}[/tex] term
 
  • #12
That cannot give a derivative of the moment of dipole vector.It's the one with a curl acting on the vector.

The one u mentioned is quite easy to compute,just use the Leibniz rule carefully.So what is

[tex]\partial_{i}\left(\frac{x_{j}}{r^{3}}\right)[/tex]

equal to...?


Daniel.
 

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