Charge density from electric flux density

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the charge density from a given electric flux density expressed in cylindrical coordinates. Participants are analyzing the mathematical steps involved in calculating the divergence of the electric flux density vector.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation for the charge density, suggesting that the result is 2sin(φ) + 4z.
  • Another participant points out that there is a term missing in the calculation, indicating that the divergence may not have been fully accounted for.
  • A further reply emphasizes that in cylindrical coordinates, the term 1/r should only apply to the φ component, suggesting a need for additional terms in the calculation.
  • Another participant suggests adding a term 4sin(φ) to the calculation, indicating it is part of the r component and should not involve a partial derivative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the completeness of the initial calculations, with some asserting that terms are missing while others provide suggestions for corrections. No consensus is reached on the correct form of the charge density.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the mathematical steps taken, particularly regarding the application of divergence in cylindrical coordinates and the treatment of terms in the electric flux density vector.

freezer
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Homework Statement



Determine the charge density due to the following electric flux density:

\overrightarrow{D} = \hat{r}4rsin(\phi ) + \hat{\phi}2rcos(\phi)+\hat{z}2z^{2}

Homework Equations



\rho _{v} = \triangledown \cdot \vec{D}

\rho _{v} = \frac{\partial }{\partial r} + \frac{\partial }{\partial \phi}+ \frac{\partial }{\partial z}

The Attempt at a Solution



\rho _{v} = \frac{\partial }{\partial r} 4rsin(\phi) + \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial }{\partial \phi}2rcos(\phi)+ \frac{\partial }{\partial z}2z^{2}

\rho _{v} = 4sin(\phi)- 2sin(\phi) + 4z

\rho _{v} = 2sin(\phi) + 4z

does this look correct?
 
Last edited:
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freezer said:

Homework Statement



Determine the charge density due to the following electric flux density:

\overrightarrow{D} = \hat{r}4rsin(\phi ) + \hat{\phi}2rcos(\phi)+\hat{z}2z^{2}


Homework Equations



\rho _{v} = \triangledown \cdot \vec{D}

\rho _{v} = \frac{\partial }{\partial r} + \frac{\partial }{\partial \phi}+ \frac{\partial }{\partial z}

The Attempt at a Solution



\rho _{v} = \frac{\partial }{\partial r} 4rsin(\phi) + \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial }{\partial \phi}2rcos(\phi)+ \frac{\partial }{\partial z}2z^{2}

does this look correct?

There is a term missing here.
 
rude man said:
There is a term missing here.

I am not seeing it. For cylindrical I am only seeing the 1/r on the phihat term
 
freezer said:
I am not seeing it. For cylindrical I am only seeing the 1/r on the phihat term

Stick a term 4sinø in there somewhere, anywhere. No partial derivative. Just that term. (It's part of the rhat coefficient: 4rsinø/r).
 

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