Equation of Continuity of charge for point charges

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the charge density ρ and current density j of point charges satisfy the equation of continuity of charge, expressed mathematically as ∂ρ/∂t = -∇·j. The charge density is defined using the Dirac delta function, ρ(𝑥,𝑡) = ∑𝑖 𝑞𝑖 δ(𝑥−𝑥𝑖(𝑡)), and the current density as j(𝑥,𝑡) = ∑𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝑣𝑖(𝑡) δ(𝑥−𝑥𝑖(𝑡)). The left-hand side (LHS) and right-hand side (RHS) of the continuity equation are computed using spherical coordinates, leading to LHS = ∑𝑖 𝑞𝑖 (∂/∂𝑡) ∫₀ᵃ δ(r−𝑟𝑖(𝑡)) dr and RHS = -∑𝑖 𝑞𝑖 𝑣𝑖(𝑡) (a²/r²) δ(r−𝑟𝑖(𝑡)). The discussion highlights the challenge in manipulating the delta function and the need for further assistance in resolving the continuity equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of charge density and current density in electromagnetism
  • Familiarity with the Dirac delta function and its properties
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, particularly divergence and partial derivatives
  • Basic proficiency in spherical coordinates and integration techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the Dirac delta function in physics
  • Learn about the derivation and implications of the equation of continuity of charge
  • Explore vector calculus techniques, specifically divergence in spherical coordinates
  • Investigate the role of point charges in electromagnetic theory and their mathematical representations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics,

transience
Messages
14
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



I am looking to demonstrate that the expressions for the charge and current density of point charges satisfy the equation of continuity of charge. Intuitively it makes sense to me but I run into trouble with the delta function when I try to prove it mathematically.

Homework Equations



\rho(\vec{x},t)=\sum_i q_i \delta (\vec{x}-\vec{x}_i(t))

\vec{j}(\vec{x},t)=\sum_i q_i v_i(t) \delta (\vec{x}-\vec{x}_i(t))

\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\rho(\vec{x},t)=- \nabla \cdot \vec{j}(\vec{x},t)

\delta^{3}(\vec{x}-\vec{x}')=\frac{1}{r^2\sin\theta} \delta(r-r') \delta(\theta-\theta')\delta(\phi-\phi')

The Attempt at a Solution



I start by constructing a sphere of radius a centered at \vec{x}=0

Using the integral form of the equation of continuity of charge in spherical coordinates I get
\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int\int\int_V \rho(\vec{x},t) dV=-\int\int_S \vec{j}(\vec{x},t)dS

Then
LHS=\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int\int\int_V \rho(\vec{x},t) dV
LHS=\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int_0^{2 \pi} \int_0^\pi \int_0^a \sum_i q_i \frac{1}{r^2\sin\theta} \delta(r-r_i(t)) \delta(\theta-\theta_i(t))\delta(\phi-\phi_i(t)) r^2\sin{\theta} dr d \theta d \phi

Working the maths through gives me
LHS=\sum_i q_i \frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int_0^a \delta(r-r_i(t)) dr

Then I do basically the same thing on the right hand side
RHS=-\int_0^{2 \pi}\int_0^{\pi} \sum_i q_i v_{ir}(t) \frac{1}{r^2\sin\theta} \delta(r-r_i(t)) \delta(\theta-\theta_i(t))\delta(\phi-\phi_i(t)) a^2\sin{\theta} dr d \theta d \phi

Which works out to be

RHS= \sum_i q_i v_{ir}(t) \frac{a^2}{r^2} \delta(r-r_i(t))

I can't figure out where to go from here, any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
using a change of variable

\delta (r-r_i(t)) = \delta (r'(t))

your LHS becomes

\sum_i q_i \frac{\partial r'(t)}{\partial t}\int_0^a \frac{\partial}{\partial r'} \delta(r'(t)) dr' = \sum_i q_i v_i (t) \delta (r - r_i (t) )

as to the factors of a/r I'm not sure
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K