How to find the charge density given by a Tricky Potential?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the charge density ρ from the potential V = A e-λr/r, as presented in Problem 2.45 of "Electrodynamics" by Griffiths. The user derived the electric field E using E = -∇V and subsequently applied the divergence operator to find ρ using the equation ρ = ε0∇·E. The final expression for charge density obtained was ρ = A ε0 e-λr[4π δ3(r) - λ2/r], which differed from Griffiths' answer. The discrepancy was resolved by recognizing the delta function property, f(x)δ(x) = f(0)δ(x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics, specifically electric potential and charge density.
  • Familiarity with vector calculus, particularly the gradient and divergence operators.
  • Knowledge of the delta function and its properties in physics.
  • Proficiency in using Griffiths' "Electrodynamics" as a reference for problem-solving.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of electric fields from potentials in electrostatics.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the delta function in physics.
  • Review vector calculus techniques, especially divergence and gradient operations.
  • Examine additional problems in Griffiths' "Electrodynamics" to reinforce concepts.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators looking for problem-solving strategies in electrostatics.

flux!
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Homework Statement


I am trying to solve Problem 2.45 in Electrodynamics by Griffiths, however, my answers were different from those in the book, I am suspect I got a missing step but I could not find it, so here is the Given Problem

Find the charge density \rho given by a potential V=A\frac{e^{-\lambda r}}{r} where A and \lambda are constant.

Homework Equations



E=-\nabla V \nabla\cdot E = \frac{\rho}{\varepsilon_0}

The Attempt at a Solution


So what I did is, first, find for the E-field using: E=-\nabla V, so E=-\hat{r}\frac{\partial }{\partial r} A\frac{e^{-\lambda r}}{r} by employing chain rule, the E-field is now given by E= A\lambda\frac{ e^{-\lambda r}}{r}\hat{r}+A\frac{ e^{-\lambda r}}{r^2}\hat{r}.

Now, the charge density \rho can be obtained thru \rho=\varepsilon_0\nabla\cdot E, substituting the E-field to the equation, we will get \rho=\varepsilon_0\nabla\cdot \left [A\lambda\frac{ e^{-\lambda r}}{r}\hat{r}+A\frac{ e^{-\lambda r}}{r^2}\hat{r} \right ], evaluating again using chain rule, we will get \rho=\varepsilon_0 \left [A\lambda e^{-\lambda r}\nabla\cdot\frac{\hat{r}}{r} +\frac{1}{r}\left( \frac{1}{r^2}\frac{\partial }{\partial r} r^2 A\lambda e^{-\lambda r} \right ) + A\lambda e^{-\lambda r}\nabla\cdot\frac{\hat{r}}{r^2} +\frac{1}{r^2} \left( \frac{1}{r^2}\frac{\partial }{\partial r} r^2 A e^{-\lambda r} \right ) \right ], this will eventually become a bit more messy but the charge density will become \rho=A \varepsilon_0 e^{-\lambda r} [ 4\pi \delta^{3}(\mathbf{r})-\frac{\lambda^2}{r} ] however, this a bit different from Griffiths' answer of \rho=A \varepsilon_0 [ 4\pi \delta^{3}(\mathbf{r})-\frac{\lambda^2 e^{-\lambda r}}{r}]

where did I went wrong?
 
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Use the delta function property ##f(x)\delta(x) = f(0)\delta(x)##.
 
OMG! That was just the best!
 

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