Neumann's problem, electrostatics, proof

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around Neumann's problem in electrostatics, specifically addressing the conditions that the function g must satisfy in relation to the potential function Φ and the charge density ρ. The original poster attempts to demonstrate the relationship between these variables as dictated by the equations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster explores the implications of the Gauss theorem and attempts to relate the total charge enclosed in a region to the boundary conditions defined by g. They question the correctness of their reasoning regarding the signs in the equations.
  • One participant suggests that the original poster may have overlooked a negative sign related to the relationship between the electric field E and the potential Φ.
  • The original poster later reflects on the nature of the problem, questioning whether the focus should be on the existence or uniqueness of the solution based on the condition involving g.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and clarifications regarding the mathematical relationships involved. There is an acknowledgment of potential misunderstandings, particularly concerning the implications of the derived conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of Neumann's boundary conditions and their implications in the context of electrostatics, with specific attention to the mathematical formulation and physical interpretations of the involved variables.

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Homework Statement


In the Neumann's problem ##\begin{cases} \triangle \Phi =-4\pi \rho \\ \frac{\partial \Phi }{\partial n}=g \end{cases}##, what condition must g satisfy?

Homework Equations


I'm given the answer, it's ##\int _ \Omega \rho dV=-\int _{\partial \Omega } g dS##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm trying to demonstrate that the given answer is indeed true.
So let Omega be the region of interest (in ##\mathbb{R} ^3##, mathematically) and ##\partial \Omega## be its contour.
Now ##\int _\Omega \rho dV=Q##, the total charge enclosed in Omega. So I'm left to show that ##\int _{\partial \Omega } g dS## is worth minus the total charge enclosed in Omega. To me it just looks like the Gauss theorem. If ##g=\frac{\partial \Phi }{\partial n }=|\vec E _{\text{normal to the surface}}|##, then I must show that ##\int _{\partial \Omega } g dS=-Q##.
So I replace g by its value, it gives me ##\int _{\partial \Omega } |\vec E _{\text{normal}}| dS=-Q##.
If I use Gauss theorem, I get that ##\int _\Omega \rho dV= \int _{\partial \Omega } \vec E \cdot \hat n dS##. (where I used one of Maxwell's equation, ##\nabla \cdot \vec E= \rho##, I omitted a constant)
So in order to get what I should, ##|\vec E _{\text{normal }}|## must equal ##\vec E \cdot \hat n##. If the normal points inward Omega then I get what I should. However if the normal points outward Omega (as it generally does), then I get that ##\int _{\partial \Omega } gdS=Q## which has a wrong sign.

Do you see any mistake/error(s) in what I've done?
 
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I believe your missing negative sign comes from neglecting the negative sign in ##\vec{E} = -\vec{\nabla}\Phi##. Thus, ##\partial{\Phi}/\partial{n} = -E_n##.
 
I see, thank you very much TSny!
 
I realize that the problem was either "what does g must satisfy for the solution to exist?" or "what does g must satisfy for the solution to be unique?".
And the answer given is ##\int _ \Omega \rho dV=-\int _{\partial \Omega } g dS## that I showed to be true, but I don't see why this imply that it guaranties that Phi (the potential) either exist (and satisfies Neumann's problem) or is unique (and satisfies Neumann's problem).
Edit: I'm guessing it has to do with if g does not satisfy the relation given as answer, then Phi does not satisfies Poisson's equation.
In this case the original question was probably "what does g must satisfy for the solution to exist?", though I'm not 100% sure.
 

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