Laplacian over a radial function for charge density

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating charge density using the Laplacian of the potential (phi) in a spherically symmetric context. The factor of 4π in the denominator arises from the integration over a spherical surface, reflecting the symmetry of the radial function. The participants clarify that the permittivity constant (epsilon naught) is also relevant in this context but was overlooked. Additionally, it is noted that the initial answer provided was incorrect due to the omission of a delta function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Laplacian operators in spherical coordinates
  • Familiarity with charge density and electric potential concepts
  • Knowledge of spherical symmetry in physics
  • Basic grasp of constants such as permittivity (epsilon naught)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Laplacian in spherical coordinates
  • Research the role of the permittivity constant (epsilon naught) in electrostatics
  • Learn about delta functions and their applications in charge density calculations
  • Explore the implications of spherical symmetry in electrostatic problems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism who are interested in charge density calculations and the mathematical principles underlying electrostatic potentials.

mateomy
Messages
305
Reaction score
0
ScreenShot2012-04-26at112622AM.png



As you probably can see from the above shot, I'm determining charge density via the Laplacian over the potential (phi). I understand the mathematical steps, just confused on the factor of 4pi that pops up in the denominator. I think I understand why you would do that and here's my reasoning...

You're taking a function that is radially outward and operating on it. Since we are assuming this is a spherically symmetric area we can neglect the aspect of the spherical coordinate system that would have symmetry and only focus on the radial change. Since again, you assume spherical symmetry the 4pi covers it. Would this be (semi) sound reasoning? Also, where did the permittivity constant go (epsilon naught)?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is the (time-averaged) potential of a hydrogen atom. The 4pi comes from the potential itself, and then pops out of all the differentials because it is constant. Same as where the epsilon_0 comes from. By the way, the answer is actually wrong -- there should be a delta function in there too.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K