Undergrad Confusion over applying the 1st uniqueness theorem to charged regions

Click For Summary
The first uniqueness theorem does not apply in regions with charge density, as Poisson's equation replaces Laplace's equation, which affects the implications of local extrema. For example, a charged metal sphere creates a local maximum in potential, contradicting the 'no local extrema' principle of Laplace's equation. The first uniqueness theorem pertains to boundary conditions and charge distribution, while the second uniqueness theorem focuses on the total charge of conductors. Despite these differences, a specific charge distribution and boundary conditions still yield a unique potential distribution. The Dirichlet boundary value problem for the Poisson equation maintains a unique solution.
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
 
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
 
Topic about reference frames, center of rotation, postion of origin etc Comoving ref. frame is frame that is attached to moving object, does that mean, in that frame translation and rotation of object is zero, because origin and axes(x,y,z) are fixed to object? Is it same if you place origin of frame at object center of mass or at object tail? What type of comoving frame exist? What is lab frame? If we talk about center of rotation do we always need to specified from what frame we observe?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
433
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K