Deriving Electric Field Energy Density

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the formula for the energy density of an electric field in a vacuum, expressed as U = 1/2 ε₀ E². The initial approach suggests using Gauss's law, starting with the total energy equation involving volume charge density and electric potential. The user proposes rewriting this in terms of the divergence of the electric field and the potential. Participants recommend consulting textbooks for a more thorough explanation and derivation of the formula. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the relationship between electric fields and energy density.
foxjwill
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Homework Statement


I found on Wikipedia the formula for energy density of an electric field in a vacuum to be

U = \frac{1}{2}\epsilon_0 E^2.

I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction to figure out how this was derived.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I was thinking maybe using Gauss's law?
 
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It starts with total energy = 1/2[Integral over volume(rho*phi*dV)], where rho is the volume charge density, phi the potential.

Then this has to be written as e0/2[Integral over volume(div E*phi*dV)]. After that you can break up the integrand into two parts.

You can try to do it from here, but it'd best if you look up a book.
 
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