Derivative of the retarded vector potential

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivative of the retarded vector potential in the context of an oscillating electric dipole. The potential vector is expressed as ##\vec{A}=\hat{k}\frac{\mu_0I_0d}{4\pi}\frac{cos(\omega(t-r/c))}{r}##, with ##\hat{k}## indicating the direction of the dipole's oscillation. The dipole moment is defined as ##\vec{p}=\hat{k}qd=\frac{\hat{k}dI_0}{\omega}sin(\omega t)##, leading to a reformulation of the potential vector as ##\vec{A}=\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\frac{\vec{\dot p(t-r/c)}}{r}##. The final derivative result is ##\frac{\partial V}{\partial t}=\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \left( \frac{- \ddot p(t-r/c)}{cr}+\frac{\dot p(t-r/c)}{r^2} \right)\frac{z}{r}##, emphasizing the application of the chain rule in calculus.

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  • Understanding of vector calculus, particularly divergence and derivatives.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, specifically oscillating electric dipoles.
  • Knowledge of the Lorentz Gauge condition in electromagnetism.
  • Proficiency in applying the chain rule in calculus.
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  • Study the derivation of the retarded potentials in electromagnetic theory.
  • Explore the implications of the Lorentz Gauge in electromagnetic wave propagation.
  • Learn about the mathematical treatment of oscillating dipoles and their radiation fields.
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In a problem of an oscillating electric dipole, under appropriate conditions, one can find, for the potential vector calculated at the point ##\vec{r}##, the expression ##\vec{A}=\hat{k}\frac{\mu_0I_0d}{4\pi}\frac{cos(\omega(t-r/c))}{r}## where: ##\hat{k}## is the direction of the ##z-axis## where the dipole is oscillating, ##I_0## is the current (##I(t)=I_0cos(\omega t)##), ##d## is the distance between the charges of the dipole and ##r## is the distance between the origin of the system and the point where I want to calculate the potential vector. Let ##\vec{p}=\hat{k}qd=\frac{\hat{k}dI_0}{\omega}sin(\omega t)## be the dipole moment, it is possible to rewrite the potential vector as ##\vec{A}=\frac{\mu_0}{4\pi}\frac{\vec{\dot p(t-r/c)}}{r}## where ##\vec{\dot p}## is the derivative with respect to time.
If we use Lorentz Gauge we have ##-\epsilon_0\mu_0\frac{\partial V}{\partial t}=\vec{\nabla} \cdot \vec{A}##, since ##\vec{A}## is directed along the ##z-axis## we have ##div \vec{A}=\frac{\partial A}{\partial z}## so ##\frac{\partial V}{\partial t}=-\frac{1}{\epsilon_0 \mu_0}\frac{\partial A}{\partial z}##.

The question: how do you do this last derivative?

The result is: ##\frac{\partial V}{\partial t}=\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0} \left( \frac{- \ddot p(t-r/c)}{cr}+\frac{\dot p(t-r/c)}{r^2} \right)\frac{z}{r}##
 
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