How Do You Apply Zonal Spherical Harmonics in Electromagnetism Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Zonal Spherical Harmonics in electromagnetism problems, specifically in the context of boundary conditions related to potential functions. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding solutions and understanding the application of these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss boundary conditions for the potential function, with some suggesting the use of Zonal Spherical Harmonics. Questions arise regarding the specific application of these harmonics and the methods used in various resources.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the problem with participants sharing insights about boundary conditions and the role of Zonal Spherical Harmonics. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conditions at the sphere and infinity, but clarity on the application remains a point of confusion for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention a shift in the problem's requirements from the method of image charges to a different approach, which may contribute to the confusion. There is also a reference to varying methods found in literature, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach.

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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