Mathematical method in electrical potential ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical methods used in understanding electrical potential, specifically focusing on partial differentiation related to expressions derived from physics lectures by Richard Feynman. Participants seek clarification on the application of differentiation techniques in the context of electrical potential equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks how to differentiate the expression (-p/4∏ε (z/r^3)) with respect to z, leading to a discussion on the application of the product and chain rules in differentiation.
  • Another participant provides a partial differentiation result but notes a discrepancy with the expected answer, prompting further inquiry into the correct application of differentiation rules.
  • There is a request for clarification on the definition of 'r' in terms of x, y, and z, which is essential for understanding the differentiation process.
  • Participants engage in a back-and-forth regarding the calculation of ∂r/∂z, with one participant expressing uncertainty about how to derive this value.
  • One participant attempts to derive ∂r/∂z but seeks confirmation on whether their approach is correct.
  • Another participant suggests thinking of r as a function of x, y, and z, prompting further exploration of the derivative of this function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the correct application of differentiation techniques and the value of ∂r/∂z. There is no consensus on the correct approach or final answers, as participants are still exploring the mathematical methods involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the correct interpretation of the variables involved and the unresolved nature of the differentiation steps discussed.

igraviton
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Mathematical method in electrical potential ??

Hi All,
I need mathematical help from the topic electrical potential for lectures on physics by Richard Feynman.

Need some help to understand mathematical method used here.
question :
1) From electrical potential.png
( how this partial differential of ( -p/4∏ε (z/r^3)) with respect to z
⇔ -p/4∏ε (1/r^3 - 3z^2 / r^5) ?
similarly how to do partial differentiation with respect to x

2) From perpendicular_field.png
( how this E = p/4∏ε * 3z/r^5 √(x^2 + y^2) ⇔ p/4∏ε * (3 cosθsinθ/r^3)



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hi igraviton! :smile:

(try using the X2 button just above the Reply box :wink:)
igraviton said:
( how this partial differential of ( -p/4∏ε (z/r3)) with respect to z
⇔ -p/4∏ε (1/r3 - 3z2 / r5) ?

you use both the product rule (or the quotient rule) and the chain rule

for the chain rule, use ∂/∂z (f(r)) = ∂f(r)/dr ∂r/∂z

(and ∂r/∂z = … ? :smile:)
 
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Thank you tiny-tim,
after doing partial differentiation and chain rule i got following.
d (z/r^3)/dz = 1/[r][/3] - 3z/[x^4] * dr/dz
but actual answer is 1/[r^3] - 3z^2/[x^5]
 
And what is the definition of 'r' in terms of x, y, and z?
 
igraviton said:
d (z/r^3)/dz = 1/[r][/3] - 3z/[x^4] * dr/dz

(you mean ∂r/∂z)

ok … and now what is ∂r/∂z ? :smile:
 
yes Tiny-tim,

actual answer is

\frac{\partial (z/r^3)}{\partial z } = \frac{1}{r^3} - \frac{3z^2}{r^5}tiny-tim, as you told me i did partial differentiation using quotient rule and chain rule

and i got

\frac{\partial (z/r^3)}{\partial z } = 1/(r^3) - (3z)/r^4 \frac{\partial r}{\partial z}where
<br /> r = √(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)<br />
 
Last edited:
igraviton said:
tiny-tim, as you told me i did partial differentiation using quotient rule and chain rule

and i got

\frac{\partial (z/r^3)}{\partial z } = 1/(r^3) - (3z)/r^4 \frac{\partial r}{\partial z}

yes, but what is ∂r/∂z ?

(you can't just leave it there like that! :rolleyes:)
 
I don't know ! :confused:
what is \frac{\partial r}{\partial z}

I did following :

\frac {\partial \frac {z}{r^3}}{\partial z} = \frac {1 * r^3 - z * \frac {\partial r^3}{\partial z}}{(r^3)^2}

= \frac {1}{r^3} - \frac {z \frac {(\partial r^3)}{\partial z}}{r^6}

where
\frac {\partial r^3 }{\partial z} = (\frac {\partial r^3 }{\partial z}) (\frac {\partial r}{\partial z})

=> 3 * r^2 * \frac {\partial r}{\partial z}

putting back I got

=> \frac {1}{r^3} - \frac {3z}{r^4} * \frac {\partial r}{\partial z}
 
Let me know if i am doing wrong.. thanks in advance
 
  • #10
?? :confused:
igraviton said:
<br /> r = √(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)<br />

… so what is ∂r/∂z ? :smile:
 
  • #11
Think of r as f(x,y,z) = (x^2+y^2+z^2)^(1/2)

What is ∂f/∂z?
 

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