Electric Potential Inside an Infinite Rectangular Trough

In summary, the problem involves finding the potential inside an infinitely extending rectangular trough with a cross section as shown in the figure. The top face is held at a potential V(x) = V_0 sin(7pix/b) and all other faces are grounded. Using Laplace's equation in rectangular coordinates, the solution can be expressed as V(x,y,z)=X(x)*Y(y)*Z(z), where X(x) and Y(y) have been solved for and the Z-dependent part remains. However, since the trough is infinite in the ±z-directions and the boundary conditions do not depend on z, the solution V(x,y,z) should be independent of z.
  • #1
Zachreham
1
0
1. The problem statement, all variables a
nd given/known data


A rectangular trough extends infinitely along the z direction, and has a cross section as shown in the figure. All the faces are grounded, except for the top one, which is held at a potential V(x) = V_0 sin(7pix/b). Find the potential inside the trough.
The length along the x direction is b, and the length along the y direction is a.

Homework Equations



Laplace's equation in rectangular coordinates

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
I know that my solution will be V(x,y,z)=X(x)*Y(y)*Z(z) and have already solved the x-dependent and y-dependent parts of the solution. After applying boundary condition I obtained:
X(x) = Asin(n*pi*x/b) where n= 1, 2, 3...
Y(y) = Csin(m*pi*x/a) where m= 1, 2, 3...

Solving for the Z-dependent part is when i run into some trouble...
I know that in a case where we're dealing with a finite rectangle with 5 faces being grounded and one being held at a certain potential that the Z solution would be comprised of sinh and cosh and the eigenvalue would be gamma^2= -(npi/b)^2 - (mpi/a)^2. However, the potential doesn't necessarily vanish at one end point in this problem, because our trough is not finite.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hello. Welcome to PF!

The trough is infinite in the ±z-directions and none of the boundary conditions depend on z. This suggests trying to find a solution V(x, y, z) that does not depend on z.
 

What is electric potential?

Electric potential is the amount of electric potential energy per unit charge at a specific point in an electric field. It is measured in volts (V).

How is electric potential calculated?

The electric potential at a point is calculated by dividing the electric potential energy at that point by the amount of charge at that point. It is represented by the equation V = U/q, where V is the electric potential, U is the electric potential energy, and q is the charge.

What is an infinite rectangular trough?

An infinite rectangular trough is a hypothetical structure with infinitely long sides and a rectangular cross-section. It is often used in physics to simplify calculations for electric and magnetic fields.

How does electric potential change inside an infinite rectangular trough?

Inside an infinite rectangular trough, the electric potential is constant and does not change. This is because the trough has infinitely long sides, so the electric field lines are parallel and do not converge or diverge, resulting in a constant potential.

Can electric potential be negative inside an infinite rectangular trough?

Yes, electric potential can be negative inside an infinite rectangular trough. This occurs when the electric field is directed towards the trough, causing the potential to decrease in that direction. However, the magnitude of the potential will still be constant throughout the trough.

Similar threads

Replies
16
Views
553
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
881
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
698
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
64
Views
2K
Back
Top