Determine charge at origin, based on charge density function

Click For Summary
To determine the charge at the origin based on the given charge density function, the use of the Dirac delta function is suggested to isolate the value of the charge density at zero. The discussion highlights the application of Gauss' law to find the enclosed charge, particularly as the radius approaches zero. The integral for total charge involves evaluating a complex function, which leads to difficulties when assuming certain parameters. Simplifying the charge distribution function is recommended to avoid complications with infinite values. Overall, leveraging Gauss' law and the properties of the Dirac delta function are key strategies for solving the problem.
xSilja
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


upload_2015-9-23_18-30-1.png


a) and b) are no problem.

I need help to solve c) and d)

Homework Equations


c) Delta dirac function
Gauss' law

d) Gauss' law
## \int_V {\rho \, d\tau} = Q_{enclosed} ##

The Attempt at a Solution


By taking laplace on the potential I get:

## \rho(\mathbf{r}) = \frac{q_0}{4 \, \pi \, r} \, e^{-r/\lambda} \, \left( \frac{cos^2(\theta)}{\lambda^2} + \frac{2}{r^2} (1-3 \, cos^2(\theta)) \right)##

c) I got a hint that it was a good idea to use the dirac delta function along with the charge distribution.

But I'm not exactly sure why. As I understand it the dirac delta function "picks out" the value of a function at zero. So I'd get:

## \int {\rho(\mathbf{r}) \, \delta(r) \, dr} = \rho(0) ##

I realize that there must be a dimensional problem here, but I'm not sure how to use a delta function in 3D and spherical coordinates.
Also how will it help me to find the density at the origin? Can I apply Gauss' law here and let the radius go towards zero to get the charge in the origin?

d) I want to solve the integral

## Q = \int_0^\pi \int_0^{2 \, \pi} \int_a^{\infty} \, \rho(\mathbf{r}) \, r^2 \, \sin(\theta) \, dr \, d\theta \, d\phi ##

I tried evaluating this with Maple.
By assuming a>0 I get a complex function multiplied by infinity, which is not of much use.
If I also assume lambda>0 (as it says in the problem) I get rid of the infinity, but get exponential integrals instead.
I'm not sure how to move on from here. I suspect I need to modify my function for charge distribution by assumptions, to make it simpler.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
xSilja said:
c) I got a hint that it was a good idea to use the dirac delta function along with the charge distribution.
This assumes your charge density formula doesn't have problems with r=0. That might be, but I wouldn't rely on it.

Using the electric field, you can determine the total charge up to a radius a and then let a go to zero.
The opposite limit also works for (d) and does not need evaluating any actual integrals.
 
By best idea was also to use Gauss' law. ## \int_V \mathbf{\nabla} \cdot \mathbf{E} \, d\tau = \frac{1}{\epsilon_0} \, Q_{enclosed} ##
How can I avoid evaluating any actual integrals?
The charge density/ elctric field depends on both r and theta.
 
xSilja said:
How can I avoid evaluating any actual integrals?
Set them up, then find useful bounds on them.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K