(Electric) Scalar and vector potential

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves electric scalar and vector potentials, specifically given by \(\phi=0\) and \(\vec{A}=A_0 e^{i(k_1 x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_y}\). The task is to find the electric field \(\vec{E}\), magnetic field \(\vec{B}\), and Poynting vector \(\vec{S}\), and to determine if alternative potentials \(\vec{A}'\) and \(\phi'\) can yield the same fields while satisfying a specific equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the validity of the vector potential expression and the nature of \(A_0\), debating whether it is a vector or a scalar. There are attempts to derive expressions for \(\vec{E}\) and \(\vec{B}\) based on the given potentials, and questions arise about the possibility of finding alternative potentials that yield the same fields.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the vector potential and its implications for the fields. Some guidance has been offered regarding how to approach the problem of finding alternative potentials, but no consensus has been reached on the nature of \(A_0\) or the final approach to the last part of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions and roles of the potentials, particularly concerning the scalar and vector nature of \(A_0\). Participants are also navigating the constraints imposed by the original problem statement and the mathematical relationships involved.

lailola
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Homework Statement



In the problem, the electric scalar and vector potentials are,
[itex]\phi=0, \vec{A}=A_0 e^{i(k_1 x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_y}[/itex]

I have to find E, B and S.

Then, I have to calculate [itex]\phi '[/itex] that satisfies [itex]div\vec{A}+\frac{\partial \phi '}{\partial t}=0[/itex] Then calculate E and B.

Is it possible to find [itex]\vec{A}'[/itex] and [itex]\phi'[/itex] that satisfy the previous equation and produce the same E and B as [itex]\vec{A}[/itex] and [itex]\phi[/itex]?

Homework Equations


[itex]\vec{E}=-grad\phi-\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{c\partial t}=0[/itex]
[itex]\vec{B}=rot(\vec{A})[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Using the equations I find:

[itex]\vec{E}=A_0wi/c e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_y}[/itex]

[itex]\vec{B}=A_0ik_1 e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_k}[/itex]

[itex]\vec{S}=\frac{c}{4\pi} \vec{E}x\vec{B}=1/(4\pi) A_0^2wk_1sin^2(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)\vec{u_x}[/itex]

For the next part I find,

[itex]\phi ' = - 2K_2 c A_0/(w) e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}+ constant(x,y)[/itex]

Then, I calculate E and B as before.

I don't know how to answer the last part. Any idea?

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
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lailola said:

Homework Statement



In the problem, the electric scalar and vector potentials are,
[itex]\phi=0, \vec{A}=A_0 e^{i(k_1 x-2k_2y-wt)}[/itex]
Your expression for the vector potential isn't a vector.

I have to find E, B and S.

Then, I have to calculate [itex]\phi '[/itex] that satisfies [itex]div\vec{A}+\frac{\partial \phi '}{\partial t}=0[/itex] Then calculate E and B.

Is it possible to find [itex]\vec{A}[/itex] and [itex]\phi'[/itex] that satisfy the previous equation and produce the same E and B as [itex]\vec{A}[/itex] and [itex]\phi[/itex]?

Homework Equations


[itex]\vec{E}=-grad\phi-\frac{\partial \vec{A}}{c\partial t}=0[/itex]
[itex]\vec{B}=rot(\vec{A})[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



Using the equations I find:

[itex]\vec{E}=A_0w/c e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_y}[/itex]

[itex]\vec{B}=A_0ik_1 e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}\vec{u_k}[/itex]

[itex]\vec{S}=\frac{c}{4\pi} \vec{E}x\vec{B}=1/(4\pi) A_0^2wk_1sin^2(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)\vec{u_x}[/itex]

For the next part I find,

[itex]\phi ' = - 2K_2 c A_0/(w) e^{i(k_1x-2k_2y-wt)}+ constant(x,y)[/itex]

Then, I calculate E and B as before.

I don't know how to answer the last part. Any idea?

Thank you.
 
vela said:
Your expression for the vector potential isn't a vector.
Presumably [itex]A_0[/itex] is itself a vector, which makes that definition perfectly valid.

lailola said:
I don't know how to answer the last part. Any idea?

Thank you.

Imagine taking your current definitions for [itex]A[/itex] and [itex]\phi[/itex] (I'm renaming your [itex]\phi'[/itex] to [itex]\phi[/itex] for simplicity, and so that I can reuse the symbol [itex]\phi'[/itex] below), and adding new quantities to them. So something like:
[tex]A \rightarrow A + A'\\<br /> \phi \rightarrow \phi + \phi'[/tex]

Now plug those definitions into your previous equations, and see if you can use them to come up with some constraints on the forms that [itex]A'[/itex] and [itex]\phi'[/itex] would have to take, in order to cause [itex]E[/itex] and [itex]B[/itex] to still come out the same.
 
Last edited:
Chopin said:
Presumably [itex]A_0[/itex] is itself a vector, which makes that definition perfectly valid.
I don't think so. A0 appears in the expressions for the electric and magnetic fields along with unit vectors. It's pretty clear that the OP meant for A0 to denote a scalar.
 
Last edited:
Hmm, you're right. Guess I didn't look close enough at those E/B solutions.

lailola, can you clarify what the original problem is, and how you came up with your definitions for E and B?
 
vela said:
I don't think so. A0 appears in the expressions for the electric and magnetic fields along with unit vectors. It's pretty clear that the OP meant for A0 to denote a scalar.

I forgot to write the vector in the expression of the vector potential. I've written it.
 
Chopin said:
Presumably [itex]A_0[/itex] is itself a vector, which makes that definition perfectly valid.



Imagine taking your current definitions for [itex]A[/itex] and [itex]\phi[/itex] (I'm renaming your [itex]\phi'[/itex] to [itex]\phi[/itex] for simplicity, and so that I can reuse the symbol [itex]\phi'[/itex] below), and adding new quantities to them. So something like:
[tex]A \rightarrow A + A'\\<br /> \phi \rightarrow \phi + \phi'[/tex]

Now plug those definitions into your previous equations, and see if you can use them to come up with some constraints on the forms that [itex]A'[/itex] and [itex]\phi'[/itex] would have to take, in order to cause [itex]E[/itex] and [itex]B[/itex] to still come out the same.

Ok, thank you!
 

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