Calculating the Electric Field outside a dielectric

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field outside a dielectric as presented in "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffiths. It clarifies that while an external electric field is typically required for polarization in linear dielectrics, nonlinear dielectrics can maintain polarization without an external field. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding spontaneous polarization and magnetization, which can generate their own fields, thus complicating the analysis of applied fields. This self-consistent approach is crucial for accurately determining the resulting electric or magnetic fields.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dielectric materials and their properties
  • Familiarity with electric field calculations in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of linear and nonlinear dielectric behavior
  • Basic concepts of magnetization and magnetic fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of spontaneous polarization in nonlinear dielectrics
  • Learn about the self-consistent field approach in electrostatics
  • Research the effects of hysteresis in dielectric materials
  • Explore the analysis of magnetic fields from permanent magnets and uniform magnetization
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in electromagnetism, materials science, and electrical engineering, will benefit from this discussion.

bubblewrap
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In the textbook (Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths), the problem in the attached image asks to find the electric field ##E## outside a dielectric. The problem consists of dividing the electric field into the one produced by the negative charges in the dielectric and another by the positive charges and adding them up.
However, what I don't understand is that since for the polarization to be there, there needs to be an external Electric field that caused it in the first place, which would have to be included in the calculation, but clearly wasn't. What's the reason behind this?

Thanks.
 

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bubblewrap said:
However, what I don't understand is that since for the polarization to be there, there needs to be an external Electric field that caused it in the first place,
Not necessarily. That would be true for a linear dielectric, but there are many nonlinear dielectrics. Some of these can exhibit considerable hysteresis and maintain polarization after the polarizing field is removed.
 
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The same is true for problems in magnetostatics. It is a very good approach to learn how to calculate the resulting electric or magnetic fields that occur for the case of spontaneous polarization or magnetization that stays at some fixed value, before trying to do the more difficult problem of an applied field to which the material responds. ## \\ ## In this latter case, it turns out to be a self-consistent problem because the resulting polarization or magnetization can generate its own field that adds/subtracts from the applied field. The material often responds in a linear fashion to the total field at a given location. See also: https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...harged-dielectric-sphere.890319/#post-5601535 ## \\ ## In addition, the magnetic field from a cylindrical permanent magnet can be analyzed by considering it to be a case of uniform magnetization ##\vec{M }##, which is a very good approximation in many cases. There are no external magnetic fields required for the permanent magnet to remain magnetized.
 
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