Calculating Point Charge Potential at (0,0,0)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the electrostatic potential of a point charge at the origin (0,0,0), where the potential \phi is defined as 1/r. It highlights that while the gradient of the potential results in zero outside the origin, the divergence leads to a Dirac delta function at the point charge, indicating a singularity. The potential approaches infinity at the origin, complicating the mathematical treatment. The conversation suggests using the integral definition of divergence and applying the divergence theorem to resolve the behavior as r approaches zero. Graduate-level texts are recommended for a deeper understanding of these concepts.
Yegor
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Hallo!

Homework Statement


Consider electrostatic Potential of point charge at point (0,0,0)
\phi = 1/r
I'm trying to calculate \Delta\phi

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


Actually it's not a difficult problem outside (0,0,0):

\nabla\phi = -\frac{\vec r}{r^3}
\Delta\phi = 0

But i also know, that i should become Dirac-Delta function (charge density for point particle). What is the problem in point (0,0,0)?
I understand that Potential goes there to infinity, but how can i work it out mathematically?
 
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Using the integral definition of div, it can be shown that
div(r(vec)/r^3)=4pi delta(r).
This can also be shown by appying the div theorem and taking the limit as r-->0.
What book are you using? Graduate texts do this.
 
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