Electric potential inside and outside spherical capacitator using laplacian

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric potential inside and outside a spherical capacitor composed of two hemispheres with a radius of 1 m, where the upper hemisphere is maintained at 220 V and the lower hemisphere is grounded. The relevant equations include the Laplacian in spherical coordinates and the separation of variables method, leading to two key equations for radial and angular components. The challenge lies in transforming the equations into Legendre's equation to determine the charge density in the free space surrounding the capacitor.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and capacitors
  • Familiarity with Laplacian operators in spherical coordinates
  • Knowledge of Legendre's equation and its applications
  • Basic principles of electrostatics and boundary conditions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and solutions of Laplace's equation in spherical coordinates
  • Learn about Legendre polynomials and their role in solving potential problems
  • Explore the concept of boundary value problems in electrostatics
  • Investigate charge density calculations in electrostatic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics and electrical engineering, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, capacitor design, and mathematical methods in physics.

MellyC
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Find the electric potential inside and outside a spherical capacitor, consisting of two hemispheres
of radius 1 m. joined along the equator by a thin insulating strip, if the upper hemisphere is kept
at 220 V and the lower hemisphere is grounded

Homework Equations



u (r,θ) = ρ(r)y(θ)
Laplacian in spherical parts: -Δ^2 = [itex]\frac{1}{sin(θ)}[/itex] [itex]\frac{∂}{∂θ}[/itex](sinθ [itex]\frac{∂}{∂θ}[/itex]) + [itex]\frac{1}{sin^2(θ)}[/itex][itex]\frac{∂^2}{d\phi^2}[/itex]
where we can assume that this does not depend on [itex]\phi[/itex] because rotation is symmetric

The Attempt at a Solution



Two equations:

[itex]\frac{1}{r^2}[/itex][itex]\frac{∂}{∂r}[/itex] (r^2 ρ'(r)) + λy=0

[itex]\frac{1}{sin(θ)}[/itex][itex]\frac{∂}{∂θ}[/itex] (sin(θ)[itex]\frac{∂y}{∂θ}[/itex]) - λy=0

I believe that I am supposed to somehow convert this into Legendre's equation, but I'm not sure how to do this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the charge density in the free space inside and outside of this capacitor?

ehild
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K