Confusion over applying the 1st uniqueness theorem to charged regions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the application of the 1st uniqueness theorem and its implications for regions with charge density, specifically in relation to Poisson's equation. It confirms that while the 'no local extrema' condition of Laplace's equation does not apply, the uniqueness theorem still guarantees a specific potential distribution given a charge distribution and boundary conditions. Additionally, it distinguishes between the 1st and 2nd uniqueness theorems, noting that the former pertains to boundary and charge distribution, while the latter focuses on total charge on conductors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poisson's equation
  • Familiarity with Laplace's equation
  • Knowledge of the uniqueness theorems in potential theory
  • Basic concepts of charge distribution in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Poisson's equation in electrostatics
  • Explore the differences between Laplace's and Poisson's equations
  • Research the Dirichlet boundary value problem in partial differential equations
  • Examine the applications of the 1st and 2nd uniqueness theorems in electrostatics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, potential theory, and partial differential equations.

phantomvommand
Messages
287
Reaction score
39
1. For regions that contain charge density, does the 1st uniqueness theorem still apply?

2. For regions that contain charge density, does the 'no local extrema' implication of Laplace's equation still apply? I think not, since the relevant equation now is Poisson's equation. Furthermore, considering a charged metal sphere and a spherical boundary surface surrounding it, there is a local maxima at the sphere. Nonetheless, the result that "given a specific charge distribution and specific boundary conditions, there is a specific potential distribution" still holds.

3. What is the main difference between the 1st uniqueness theorem and the 2nd uniqueness theorem? Is it that the 1st uniqueness theorem relates to boundary and charge distribution, while the 2nd uniqueness theorem deals with total charge on conductors?

Thanks for all the help
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: Delta2
Physics news on Phys.org
I know nothing about charges but try to answer:)
If ##\Delta u\ge 0## in a domain ##D\subset\mathbb{R}^m## then
$$\sup_{x\in D} u(x)=\sup_{x\in\partial D}u(x)$$
And yes, Dirichlet boundary value problem for the Poisson equation has a unique solution
This is informal for details see textbooks in PDE
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
541
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K