# Laplace equation in spherical coordinates

#### Fgard

1. Homework Statement

Solve the Laplace equation inside a sphere, with the boundary condition:

u(3,\theta,\phi) = \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta)^2 \sin(\phi)

2. Homework Equations

\sum^{\infty}_{l=0} \sum^{m}_{m=0} (A_lr^l + B_lr^{-l -1})P_l^m(\cos \theta) [S_m\sin(m\phi) + C_m\cos(m\phi)]

3. The Attempt at a Solution
I have derived the general solution for the Laplace equation in spherical problems and that went okej. The problem is when I try to match it with the boundary conditions. If I use the method of identification it is imminently obvious that:

C_m=0, m=1 \text{ and that for} \quad l\neq1 \rightarrow A=0

, m has to equal one so the arguments of sin is correct and A=0 so the solution does not blow up, when r approaches 0. Which means I have two different solutions: one where l=1 and another solution for all the rest of l´s. When l equals one the Legendre polynomials dose not match the boundary conditions so that solution can be discarded.

Which means that I have an equation that looks like:

\sum^{\infty}_{l=0} ( B_l3^{-l -1})P_l^1(\cos \theta) S_1\sin(\phi) = \sin(\theta) \cos(\theta)^2 \sin(\phi)

When I look at table's for Legendre polynomials I do not find any that looks like it can solve my equation. I would really appreciate some guidance in the right direction.

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#### TSny

Homework Helper
Gold Member

\sum^{\infty}_{l=0} \sum^{m}_{m=0} (A_lr^l + B_lr^{-l -1})P_l^m(\cos \theta) [S_m\sin(m\phi) + C_m\cos(m\phi)]
Typo: what is the upper limit of the summation over $m$?

You are dealing with the interior of a sphere. So, you don't need to worry about $r$ going to infinity. However, what happens to $r^{-l-1}$ at the center of the sphere?

#### Fgard

The upper limit of the summation is suppose to be l.

I have singularity there, so the constant B has to be zero. Thanks.

#### Fgard

No one that can help me?

#### TSny

Homework Helper
Gold Member
Looks like now you just need to find the values of the $A_l$ coefficients by considering the boundary condition at r = 3. Look at a table of $P_l^1(\cos \theta)$ to see which ones can be used to obtain $\sin \theta \cos^2 \theta$.

#### Fgard

That is what I have trying to do, quite unsuccessfully so far. But I know now at least that this is the way to do it, so thank you.

#### TSny

Homework Helper
Gold Member
Hint: Look at your boundary condition at r = 3 and compare to a table of associated Legendre polynomials.

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#### Fgard

I think I solved it. Thanks for all the help!