Maxwell’s equations for oscillating electric dipole

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields of an oscillating electric dipole do not satisfy Maxwell's equations. The derived equations for E and B are given as E = -ω²μ₀p₀(4πr)⁻¹sin(θ)cos[ω(t - r/c)] and B = -ω²μ₀p₀(4πcr)⁻¹sin(θ)cos[ω(t - r/c)], respectively. The participant confirmed that the divergence of B and Faraday's law are satisfied, but encountered difficulties with Gauss's law and the curl of B, indicating that the equations may not hold due to charge density and additional components in the equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, specifically Gauss's law and Faraday's law.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic theory, particularly the behavior of oscillating electric dipoles.
  • Knowledge of vector calculus, including divergence and curl operations.
  • Proficiency in using retarded potentials in electromagnetic field calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Gauss's law in the context of oscillating electric dipoles.
  • Examine the derivation and application of retarded potentials in electromagnetic theory.
  • Learn about the conditions under which Maxwell's equations are satisfied for dynamic systems.
  • Investigate the role of charge density in electromagnetic field equations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators looking to deepen their understanding of Maxwell's equations and their applications to oscillating systems.

humo90
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



How do I show that our equations for the E- and B-fields for the oscillating electric dipole do NOT satisfy Maxwell’s equations?

Homework Equations



After approximations in retarded potentials, we have our E- and B-field as following:

E = -ω2μ_{0}p_{0}(4∏r)-1sin(θ)cos[ω(t-\frac{r}{c})]\hat{θ} (Griffiths 11.18)

and

B = -ω2μ_{0}p_{0}(4∏cr)-1sin(θ)cos[ω(t-\frac{r}{c})]\hat{\phi} (Griffiths 11.19)

Where ω is angular frequency for the oscillating charge moving back and forth, c is the speed of light, r is the distance where E and B are to be calculated, θ is the angle between dipole axis and the distance r, p_{0} is the maximum value of dipole moment, μ_{0} is permeability of free space, t is time, \hat{\phi} is direction in azimuthal angle, and \hat{θ} is direction in polar angle.

The Attempt at a Solution



I got divergence of B is satisfied (2nd eq. of Maxwell's), also, I got faradays law satisfied (3rd eq. with curl of E).

I am stuck in the other two equations:

For Gauss's law (1st eq.) I got div. of E does not equal zero, but maybe that because of the charge density. So, I am not sure whether this equation is satisfied or not, and I do not know how to show that.

Also, the same argument For Curl of B. I got the same result for time derivative of E in addition to an extra component in \hat{r} direction which may be the volume current density term in 4th Maxwell's equation (Ampere's and Maxwell's law).
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Umm -they don't? Whose equations?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K