How do you express 3D charge distributions using the Dirac Delta function?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on expressing three-dimensional charge distributions using the Dirac Delta function, specifically in spherical coordinates. The user attempts to represent a uniformly distributed charge over a spherical shell of radius R, utilizing the Dirac Delta function defined as ρ(𝑟) = ∑(1/r_k²sinθ)δ(r - r_k')δ(θ - θ')δ(φ - φ'). The integral for total charge Q is incorrectly set up, leading to confusion regarding the limits of integration for r, which should range from 0 to R, not negative values. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly interpreting the Dirac Delta function and maintaining consistent definitions of charge density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Dirac Delta function in spherical coordinates
  • Familiarity with charge density concepts in electrostatics
  • Knowledge of triple integrals in calculus
  • Basic principles of spherical coordinate systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the Dirac Delta function in physics
  • Learn about charge distributions and their mathematical representations
  • Explore the derivation and application of integrals in spherical coordinates
  • Investigate common mistakes in setting up integrals for physical problems
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism and mathematical methods in physics, will benefit from this discussion.

ZetaX
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Hello community, this is my first post and i start with a question about the famous dirac delta function.
I have some question of the use and application of the dirac delta function.
My first question is:
Using Dirac delta functions in the appropriate coordinates, express the following charge distributions as three-dimensional charge densities [PLAIN]http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/%7Edsoto/704/1.3_files/image002.gif.[/I] [PLAIN]http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/%7Edsoto/704/1.3_files/image003.gif[B][I](a)[/I][/B][I] In spherical coordinates, a charge [PLAIN]http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/%7Edsoto/704/1.3_files/image005.gifuniformly distributed over a spherical shell of radius R.So, i know the definition of dirac delta function in spherical coordinates ist \rho(\vec{r})=\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{r_k^2\sin\theta}\delta(r-r_k')\delta(\theta-\theta')\delta(\phi-\phi').

Moreover i know Q=\int\rho(\vec{r})d^3r. So i substitute the density function into the integral and transform it into spherical coordinates.

Q=\int\int\int\sum_{k=0}^{\infty}\frac{1}{r_k^2\sin\theta}\delta(r-r_k')\delta(\theta-\theta')\delta(\phi-\phi')r^2\sin\theta drd\theta d\phi
Now i change the sum into the integral and the limits become:

\int_0^{2\pi}\int_0^{\pi}\int_{-\infty}^{\infty}\delta(r-R)drd\theta d\phi
So here is the problem, if i integrate i get a incorrect answer...

What is my mistake?

Greetings! :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Shouldn't be your limits of integration for ##r## would be from ##0## to ##R##?
 
i.e. does it make sense for the radius to have a negative value?
Make sure you understand what each term in the notation is for.

What does the integral need to look like to come out right?
You certainly don't have the right units - you seem to have used ##\rho(\vec r)## in the first two equations to mean different things. In the first, it is the dirac delta function in spherical coordinates and in the second it is a charge density ... then you treat the dirac delta function as a charge density which it is not.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
910
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K