Finding the potential outside a charge sphere

[Benzoate]

Homework Statement

Find the potential outside a charged metal sphere(charge Q , radius R) placed in an otherwise uniform electric Field E₀. Explain clearly where you are setting the zero of potential .

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

At the boundaries of the sphere V=0. Since a sphere is a 3 dimensional object,

1/r^2*d/dr(r^2*dV/dr)+(1/r^2*sin(theta))*d/d(theta)*(sin(theta)*dV/d(theta))+1/r^2*1/(sin(theta)^2)*d^2V/dphi^2=0
V(r,theta)=R(r)*$$\Theta$$($$\theta$$R

1/R*d/dr*(r^2*dR/dr)+(1/($$\Theta$$*sin$$\theta$$)*d/d$$\theta$$*(sin($$\theta$$*d$$\Theta$$/d$$\theta$$)=0

1/R*d/dr*(r^2*dR/dr)=l(l+1)
(1/($$\Theta$$*sin$$\theta$$)*d/d$$\theta$$*(sin($$\theta$$*d$$\Theta$$/d$$\theta$$=-l(l+1)

V(r,$$\theta$$)=(Ar^lr^l+B_l/(r^l+1))*P_l*cos($$\theta$$)

wouldn't I be setting the potential to zero because the sphere might be an equipotential?

Wait a minute , in the exterior region, wouldn't V(r,theta)=kR^3*cos(theta)/3epilison0*r^2

 

[gabbagabbahey]

The potential on the surface of the sphere certainly will be an epuipotential; and you could set it to zero if you choose to; however in this case the problem is much easier if you don't.

Have you seen the solution for an uncharged metal sphere in a uniform electric field? What is the solution for that problem and where did they set the potential to zero?

If you choose a clever spot to set the potential to zero in this problem, you can use the superposition principle with the solution for the uncharged sphere and a uniformly charged spherical shell of charge Q.

 

[Benzoate]

The potential on the surface of the sphere certainly will be an epuipotential; and you could set it to zero if you choose to; however in this case the problem is much easier if you don't.

Have you seen the solution for an uncharged metal sphere in a uniform electric field? What is the solution for that problem and where did they set the potential to zero?

If you choose a clever spot to set the potential to zero in this problem, you can use the superposition principle with the solution for the uncharged sphere and a uniformly charged spherical shell of charge Q.

Couldn't I set the potential to be zero at the boundary condition? Maybe at the edge of the sphere. Since the shape is the surface of a sphere, it wouldn't matter where I would set my boundary condition at the edge of the spheres?

Outside a sphere V(r,theta)= (R^3/r^2)*cos(theta)

Law of superposition principle :

V=V(outside)+V(inside) ?

I don't know the solution for a uniformly uncharged sphere. Why is the solution of a uncharged sphere relevant since I am asked to find the solution for a uniformily charged sphere?

 

[gabbagabbahey]

Start with the solution for the uncharged sphere in an uniform electric field... What is that solution? What are the boundary conditions for that problem?

 

[erogard]

help anyone?

I was wondering if we should simply add kQ/r to the potential given for the uncharged sphere or if there was a way to obtain this result more formally.

 

[gabbagabbahey]

help anyone?

I was wondering if we should simply add kQ/r to the potential given for the uncharged sphere or if there was a way to obtain this result more formally.

Does your total potential satsify Laplace's equation then? Does it satsify the correct Boundary conditions? What does the uniqueness theorem tell you about that solution?