Derive the Analog of Gauss' law

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the analog of Gauss' law in the context of electrostatics. The key equations referenced include E = -∇φ, ∇ · E = -∇²φ, and the fundamental form of Gauss' law, ∇ · E = ρ/ε₀. The relationship between the electric field and potential is established, leading to the conclusion that -∇²φ = ρ/ε₀. The integration of the potential function φ over a spherical region is suggested to find the total charge Q contained within that region.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector calculus, particularly divergence and Laplacian operators.
  • Familiarity with electrostatics concepts, including electric fields and potentials.
  • Knowledge of Gauss' law and its mathematical formulation.
  • Basic integration techniques in calculus.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Gauss' law in electrostatics.
  • Learn about the relationship between electric potential and electric field in detail.
  • Explore the application of spherical coordinates in solving electrostatic problems.
  • Practice integrating functions involving spherical symmetry to calculate charge distributions.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of electrostatic principles and mathematical derivations related to Gauss' law.

KT KIM
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
image.png

image.png


I am stuck with this (d) all the other (a),(b),(c) were just like
(a) E= −∇φ
(b) ∇ · E= −∇2φ
(c) ∇ × E

I know only very basic about Gauss' law, the problem is not from Electrodynamics course.
I don't know what should I do to solve (d)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gauss' law is:
[tex]\nabla \cdot E = \rho / \epsilon_0[/tex]
We also know that by definition, potential and electric field are related by
[tex]E = - \nabla \cdot \phi[/tex]
So we then have
[tex]-\nabla^2 \phi = \rho/\epsilon_0[/tex]

You know the form of phi, so you can just integrate over r from 0 to R to get the charge contained in the region. Since there's no angular dependence, 4pi comes out, and it's just a simple integral over r.
[tex]- 4\pi \epsilon_0 \int \limits_0^R (\nabla^2 \phi) r^2 dr = Q[/tex]

I'll let you work out the rest.
 
Thankyou!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
29
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K