Another trig question relate to retarded potential

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter yungman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Potential Trig
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of the potential \( V(\vec r,t) \) in radiating dipoles as described in Griffiths' textbook. The key equation presented is \( V_{(\eta,\theta,t)} = \frac {q_0 d cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r} \left [ -\frac {\omega}{c} sin[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]+\frac 1 {\eta} cos[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]\right ] \). The conclusion drawn is that when \( \eta >> \frac c {\omega} \), the cosine term becomes negligible, simplifying the expression to \( V_{(\eta,\theta,t)} = -\frac {q_0\; d\;\omega\; cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 c\; r} sin[ \omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c} ] \). This simplification is attributed to the dominance of the sine function over the cosine function in this limit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electromagnetic theory, specifically dipole radiation.
  • Familiarity with the mathematical concepts of sine and cosine functions.
  • Knowledge of the parameters \( \epsilon_0 \), \( q_0 \), \( \omega \), \( c \), and \( \eta \).
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify mathematical expressions involving limits.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the potential for radiating dipoles in Griffiths' "Introduction to Electrodynamics".
  • Explore the implications of the limit \( \eta >> \frac c {\omega} \) in other electromagnetic contexts.
  • Learn about the physical significance of dipole radiation patterns and their applications.
  • Investigate the mathematical properties of sine and cosine functions in the context of wave mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and wave theory, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to dipole radiation.

yungman
Messages
5,741
Reaction score
291
This is from Griffiths page 446.

In radiating dipoles:

[tex]V(\vec r,t)=\frac 1 {4\pi \epsilon_0} \left [ \frac {q_0 cos [\omega(t- \frac {\eta_+} c )]}{\eta_+}- \frac {q_0 cos [\omega(t- \frac {\eta_- } c)]}{\eta_-} \right ][/tex]

Given conditions d<< [itex]\eta\;[/itex] and d<< [itex]\frac c {\omega}[/itex] :

[tex]V_{(\eta,\theta,t)} = \frac {q_0 d cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r} \left [ -\frac {\omega}{c} sin[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]+\frac 1 {\eta} cos[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]\right ][/tex]

But then the book claimed if [itex]\eta[/itex] >> [itex]\frac c {\omega}\;[/itex], then:[tex]V_{(\eta,\theta,t)} = \frac {q_0 d cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r} \left [ -\frac {\omega}{c} sin[ \omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c} ] \right ] = -\frac {q_0\; d\;\omega\; cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 c\; r} sin[ \omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c} ][/tex]I don't see why if [itex]\eta[/itex] >> [itex]\frac c {\omega}\;[/itex], then

[tex]\frac 1 {\eta} cos[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}] = 0[/tex]

It look so simple but I just don't see it. Please explain to me.

Thanks

Alan
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think I have the answer, it is very simple if I am correct:

[tex]V_{(\eta,\theta,t)} = \frac {q_0 d cos \theta}{4\pi \epsilon_0 r} \left [ -\frac {\omega}{c} sin[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]+\frac 1 {\eta} cos[\omega(t-\frac {\eta}{c}]\right ][/tex]Since both the sine and cosine max out at +/-1, so if [itex]\eta[/itex] >> [itex]\frac c {\omega}\;[/itex], then The first term with the sine function is much larger than the second term with cosine term. So the second term just disappeared. Tell me whether I am correct. It's just that simple!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K