How Does the Second Uniqueness Theorem Determine the Electric Field in a Volume?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Second Uniqueness Theorem in electrostatics to determine the electric field in a volume, particularly in the context of a point charge within a cavity of an uncharged conductor. Participants explore how this theorem can be used to analyze the electric field outside the conductor.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the uniqueness theorem implies the electric field in a volume is uniquely determined if the charge density and the charge on conductors are fixed.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "net field" and asserts that the field outside the conductor will resemble that of a solid conductor with total surface charge q, depending on the conductor's shape.
  • A participant emphasizes that the surface charge on the conductor must equal q due to charge conservation, noting that the surface charge distribution is not uniform unless the conductor is spherical.
  • There is a claim that if the conductor is spherical, it does not necessarily prove uniform charge distribution on the surface.
  • One participant suggests that if a spherically symmetric electric field satisfies the boundary conditions, it is the unique solution according to the uniqueness theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the uniformity of the surface charge and the implications of the uniqueness theorem. There is no consensus on the proof of the electric field outside the conductor or the conditions under which the charge distribution is uniform.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the assumptions regarding the shape of the conductor and the distribution of charge, which may affect the conclusions drawn from the uniqueness theorem.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying electrostatics, particularly in understanding the implications of the uniqueness theorem and charge distribution in conductors.

pardesi
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it states that in a given volume V surrounded by conductors or for that matter infinity if the charge density \rho and the charge on each conductor is fixed then the electric field is uniquely determined in that volume V

Can someone use this find the field in certain situations.
For Example consider this classical situation where in an uncharged conductor has a cavity of arbitrary shape inside it which has a point charge q inside it .The question is to find the net field outside it .
Ofcourse the answer is shielding by the metallic sphere ?
Can someone prove this using the uniqueness theorem .I have a proof in mind but i am unsure of it?
 
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What does "net field" mean?
The field outside the conductor will be the same as that outside a solid conductor with total surface charge q. The field outside such a conductor depends on its shape.
By Gauss's law, the surface integral of E is known.
 
pam said:
What does "net field" mean?
The field outside the conductor will be the same as that outside a solid conductor with total surface charge q.

this is what i am asking u to prove.
also that the charge q is uniformly distributed
 
The surface charge on the conductor has to be q, by conservation of charge.
The surface charge will not be uniform, unless the outer surface is spherical.
 
it is a sphere ...
even that doesn't 'prove' that the charge is uniform
 
The title of your question was "uniqueness theorem". Use it.
If a spherically symmetry E outside the conductor satisfies all BC, then it is the unique solution. QED.
 

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