Integrating Electric Displacement

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the integration of electric displacement in a fixed dielectric material within a capacitor, specifically addressing the mathematical expression involving the divergence theorem. The integral presented, \(\int\nabla\cdot\left[\left(\Delta{D}\right){V}\right]{d}\tau\), simplifies to \(\int\left(\nabla{D}{V}\right)\cdot{d}a\). The textbook reference, Electrodynamics by Griffiths, indicates that this term vanishes when integrated over all space due to the properties of the divergence of a vector field in a closed surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric displacement (D) in electrostatics
  • Familiarity with the divergence theorem in vector calculus
  • Basic knowledge of integral calculus
  • Experience with Griffiths' Electrodynamics, particularly Chapter 2
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the divergence theorem and its applications in electromagnetism
  • Review the concept of electric displacement and its role in capacitors
  • Explore advanced topics in Griffiths' Electrodynamics, focusing on boundary conditions
  • Investigate the implications of fixed dielectric materials in electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, electrical engineers, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of electric displacement in capacitors.

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Suppose the dielectric material is fixed in position and filling the capacitor, and you would have this term in the way of calculating something.

[tex]\int\nabla\cdot\left[\left(\Delta{D}\right){V}\right]{d}\tau[/tex]

where D is the dielectric displacement

Now that turns into (by divergence theorem):

[tex]\int\left(\nabla{D}{V}\right)\cdot{d}a[/tex]

Now my textbook says that this term would vanish if we integrate over all of space. Why is that? Thanks for your help in advance. =)
 
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By the way, this is from pg 192 of Electrodynamics by Griffiths, if this could help..
 

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