Electrostatic uniqueness theorem

In summary, there is a third condition in addition to the Dirichlet and Neumann conditions that is important when using the method of images, but it is often not mentioned in texts. This condition involves specifying either the potential or charge on the surface of a conductor, and is covered in Franklin's "Classical Electromagnetism".
  • #1
facenian
436
25
There is one thing I don't understand about this and is that besides the Dirichlet and Neumann conditions there seems to be a third one which is important when the method of images is used and is never mentioned. The problem is that Newmann condition requires especification of [itex]\frac{\partial\phi }{\partial \eta}[/itex] at each point on the surface while in electrostaics problems one many times knows two conditions,
a) the potencial is constant on the limit surfaces, and b) you don't know the normal derivative of phi at each point on the surface but you know the total charge of the conductor,ie, [itex]\oint_S\frac{\partial\phi }{\partial \eta}ds[/itex] in which case the uniqueness theorem also seems to follow easily.
Can someone please tell me where I'm wrong or if this is not the case why this
importan observation is never even mentioned in texts?
 
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  • #2
That case is covered in Sec. 3.1.1 of Franklin "Classical Electromagnetism", which states
"the electric field is uniquely specified ... if either the potential or charge is specified on each conductor."
 
  • #3
Thank you, I will look for that
 

What is the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem?

The Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem states that the electric potential at any point in an electrostatic field is uniquely determined by the distribution of electric charges in the field.

What does the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem imply?

This theorem implies that there can be no two different electrostatic fields that produce the same potential at every point. In other words, the electric potential is a unique function of the charge distribution in an electrostatic field.

How is the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem related to Gauss's Law?

Gauss's Law is a consequence of the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem. This means that if the electric potential is uniquely determined by the charge distribution, then the electric field is also uniquely determined by the charge distribution through Gauss's Law.

What are the practical applications of the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem?

The Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem is used in the design and analysis of electrical circuits, as well as in the study of electrostatic phenomena in nature. It also helps in understanding the behavior of conductors and insulators in electric fields.

Are there any limitations to the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem?

Yes, the Electrostatic Uniqueness Theorem only applies to electrostatic fields, which are stationary and do not change over time. It does not hold true for time-varying fields, which require the use of more complex laws and equations.

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