How Do You Apply Zonal Spherical Harmonics in Electromagnetism Problems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Zonal Spherical Harmonics to solve electromagnetism problems, specifically involving boundary conditions where the potential function, denoted as ##\varphi##, equals zero on a sphere and at infinity. The method of Image charge and Induced surface charge density is referenced, but the main challenge lies in correctly plugging the Zonal Spherical Harmonics into the equations. Participants emphasize the importance of recognizing boundary conditions and utilizing the Legendre polynomial ##P_0(\cos\theta)## for the solution at infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Zonal Spherical Harmonics
  • Familiarity with boundary value problems in electromagnetism
  • Knowledge of Legendre polynomials
  • Experience with potential functions in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Zonal Spherical Harmonics in solving boundary value problems
  • Learn about the method of Image charges in electrostatics
  • Explore Legendre polynomials and their properties
  • Review textbooks on mathematical methods for physicists, focusing on potential theory
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in electromagnetism, as well as mathematicians interested in applied mathematics and boundary value problems.

Zaitul Hidayat
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Thread moved from the technical forums to the schoolwork forums
I don't really understand how to find the solution. I've tried to find the solution in books and google but still can't find it. In general, the Question 1 the problem is using the method of Image charge and Induced surface charge density. but this time my professor changed it to something else. can you guys help me? Thank You.

Question 1.png


Question 2.png

Question 3.png
 
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Which books have you searched for a solution to problem 1?
 
But you can do this exercise by noticing the boundary condition: ##\varphi=0## on the sphere and ##\varphi=0## at infinity; and plugging the Zonal Spherical Harmonics.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
Which books have you searched for a solution to problem 1?
I'm not sure which book I read, because I just googled it. and I found some questions that are very similar but only different methods are used.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
But you can do this exercise by noticing the boundary condition: ##\varphi=0## on the sphere and ##\varphi=0## at infinity; and plugging the Zonal Spherical Harmonics.
but I still don't understand how I plugged the Zonal Spherical Harmonics into it :cry:
 
Zaitul Hidayat said:
but I still don't understand how I plugged the Zonal Spherical Harmonics into it :cry:
At ##r=R## you get ##\varphi(R,\theta)=0##, plug ##r=R## into the Zonal Spherical harmonic and equate to zero. For ##\varphi(r=\infty,\theta)=0##, notice that only ##P_0(\cos\theta)## contribution here, since there's no dependence on ##\cos \theta## in the boundary conditions.
 

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