Non-Uniform Surface Charge Spherical Shell

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the electric field inside and outside a thin spherical shell with a non-uniform surface charge density described by kcos3θ. The relevant equations involve solving Laplace's Equation in spherical coordinates, specifically using the series Σ Al rl Pl(cos θ) for r≤R and Σ Bl r-(l+1)Pl(cos θ) for r≥R. The user has derived the coefficient Al as k/2ε0Rl-1∫cos3θ Pl cos θ sin θ dθ and is inquiring about the necessity of considering only the third Legendre polynomial, indicating that other coefficients may be zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and Laplace's Equation
  • Familiarity with Legendre polynomials and their properties
  • Knowledge of electric fields and boundary conditions in electrostatics
  • Proficiency in calculus, particularly integration techniques
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  • Study the properties and applications of Legendre polynomials in electrostatics
  • Learn how to derive electric fields from potential functions in spherical coordinates
  • Explore boundary condition applications in electrostatic problems
  • Investigate the implications of non-uniform charge distributions on electric fields
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators seeking to understand complex charge distributions and their effects on electric fields.

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Homework Statement


A thin spherical shell of radius R carries a surface charge density of the form
<br /> <br /> kcos<sup>3</sup> \theta<br />
Find the electric field inside and outside the sphere and demonstrate explicitly that its
components satisfy the relevant boundary conditions at the surface.

Homework Equations


The solution to Laplace's Equation in spherical coordinates :\Sigma Al rl Pl(cos \theta) (r≤R)\Sigma Bl r-(l+1)Pl(cos \theta) (r≥R)

The Attempt at a Solution


I worked it through untilAl= k/2ε0Rl-1∫cos3 \theta Pl cos \theta sin \theta d \thetaWhere do I go from here? Do I only need to consider the third Legendre polynomial?i.e.##(5cos3\theta - 3 cos \theta)/2 ##
Are all the other coefficients zero?

EDIT: It seems TeX does not want to work for me, but I'm sure you get the idea
 
Last edited:
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Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 

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