Calculating Bound Charge Density & Polarization

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of polarisation and density bound charges using various formulas. The surface bound charge is determined to be dependent on the polarisation and the volume bound charge is found to be zero due to uniform polarisation. The total bound charge is calculated as the surface bound charge multiplied by the area of the sphere. There is some uncertainty about the correctness of the answer and a file is attached for reference.
  • #1
Gustav
57
5
Homework Statement
A long straight non-conductive cylindrical rod with radius a has the permittivity ε. It is given by a uniform free space charge density ρ_f. (That this charge density is "free" means that it did not arise through polarization. However, the charges that build up ρ_f are not moving freely, but ρ_f has the same constant value throughout the rod.) Determine all bound charge densities by using the cylinder symmetry and verify from these that the total bound charge per unit length of the
Relevant Equations
\sigma_b = P * n
\rho_b = \nabla * P
I have already calculated the polarisation that is
$$ \mathbf{P} = \frac{\rho_f r}{2} \left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right) \hat{r} . $$
I tried to use the following formulas to calculate the density bound charges. For the surface bound charge I got:
$$ \sigma_{b1} = \mathbf{P} \cdot \hat{n} = + \frac{\rho_f r}{2}\left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right), \ \ \ \ \sigma_{b2} = - \frac{\rho_f r}{2}\left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right). $$
As for the volume bound charge, I assumed that we have a uniformal polarisation since the free charge is constant everywhere in the material, which will give us a volume bound charge equal to zero,
$$ \rho_b = \nabla \cdot \mathbf{P} = 0. $$
Also for calculating the total bound charge I got something like this:
$$ Q_{tot, b} = \int \sigma_b da + \int \rho_b d\tau = \int \sigma_b da = \int (\sigma_{b1} + \sigma_{b2}) da = 0 $$
But I feel like I have misunderstood the question, and feel unsure about my answer, is there anything wrong with it? Also I am attaching a file bellow of the solution.
 

Attachments

  • Bound charge.png
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  • #2
Can someone please explain how they got the answer?A:The surface bound charge is easy. The surface of the sphere is the same in both cases, so it doesn't matter if you have an external field or not. The surface charge is:$$\sigma_b = \sigma_{b1} + \sigma_{b2} = \mathbf{P}\cdot \mathbf{\hat n} = \frac{\rho_f r}{2}\left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right) + \frac{\rho_f r}{2}\left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right) = \rho_f r \left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right)$$Now for the volume bound charge, we need to calculate $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{P}$. Since the polarization is uniform, then the divergence is zero: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{P} = 0$$Therefore, the volume bound charge is zero. Finally, the total bound charge is just the surface bound charge multiplied by the area of the sphere: $$Q_{tot,b} = \sigma_b A = \rho_f r \left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right) 4 \pi r^2 = 4 \pi \rho_f r^3 \left( 1 - \frac{\epsilon_0}{\epsilon} \right) $$
 

1. What is bound charge density?

Bound charge density refers to the electric charge that is bound to the molecules or atoms within a material. This charge is not free to move and is responsible for creating the polarization of the material.

2. How is bound charge density calculated?

Bound charge density can be calculated by subtracting the free charge density from the total charge density of a material. This can be determined experimentally or through theoretical calculations.

3. What is polarization?

Polarization is the separation of positive and negative charges within a material, resulting in an electric dipole moment. This can be caused by an external electric field or by the presence of bound charges within the material.

4. How is polarization related to bound charge density?

Polarization is directly related to bound charge density, as the presence of bound charges within a material leads to the formation of electric dipoles and thus, polarization. The strength of polarization is determined by the magnitude of the bound charge density.

5. What factors can affect bound charge density and polarization?

The type of material, its structure, and the strength of an external electric field can all affect bound charge density and polarization. Additionally, temperature and pressure can also play a role in determining these properties of a material.

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