Solving Potential Theory Problem: Step-by-Step Guide

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a potential theory exercise involving complex equations, with participants questioning the mathematical validity of the expressions provided. Key points include the need for clarity on the functions the differential operators act upon and the distinction between scalar and vector potentials in the context of Maxwell's equations. There is a consensus that the equations presented are incomplete and potentially incorrect, particularly regarding the treatment of the term involving the gradient. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding gauge transformations for decoupling the equations related to vector and scalar potentials. The overall focus is on improving mathematical rigor and understanding in the context of physics learning.
Raparicio
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Hello,

I have a problem with an exercice of potential theory, and don't know how to continue.

The ecuations are this:


\Phi {\left ( \nabla \frac{{\partial }}{{\partial t}} + \nabla (c· \nabla) \right ) = {\left ( - \frac{{\partial (c· \nabla)}}{{\partial t}} - \frac{{\partial^2 \epsilon \nabla}}{{\partial^2 t}}\right ) \vec {A}

- \nabla \Phi \mu \sigma + \nabla \Phi \mu \epsilon \frac{{\partial }}{{\partial t}} = \nabla^2 \vec {A} - \left ( \nabla ( \nabla \vec {A}) - \left ( \mu \sigma \frac {\partial} {\partial t} \vec {A} + \mu \epsilon \frac{\partial^2 \vec {A}} {\partial^2 t} \right ) \right )

My question in: is the problem resolved, or I must continue? What must I do to end the problem?
 
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Well, what exactly is your question ? What are you trying to prove here ? Are you trying to rewrite the Maxwell equations in terms of the vectorpotential A and the scalar potential phi ?


regards
marlon
 
Marlon,u should have told him that the eq.was wrong wrt to mathematics involved.
In the LHS,u have a diff.operator.Because "c=constant",
\phi(\nabla\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+c\nabla^{2}) (1)
In the expression (1),the function on which the operator's acting is missing.
In the RHS:Again,"c" is constant,so th first terms should be
-\frac{\partial}{\partial t}\nabla\cdot \vec{A}-\frac{\partial^{2}\epsilon}{\partial t^{2}}\nabla\cdot \vec{A} (2)
In the second eq.,in the LHS,again u're having the eqlaity between an operator and a fbunch of functions.
In the RHS,u can reduce the laplace-ian of 'A'.
In the first eq.,in the LHS,the missing function should be a vector,but u need to modity it,as the tensor ranks of the 2 diff.operators (nabla & nabla squared is not the same).The tensor rank of the two sides must be equal.
In the second eq.,in the LHS,the missing function is a scalar (again,the tensor rank of the 2 sides must be equal).

Did u make it up??To me it looks like that.

Daniel.
 
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dextercioby said:
Marlon,u should have told him that the eq.was wrong wrt to mathematics involved.

Not at all...

In the LHS,u have a diff.operator.Because "c=constant",
\phi(\nabla\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+c\nabla^{2}) (1)
In the expression (1),the function on which the operator's acting is missing.

This is incorrect and incomplete. It is a classical mistake to assume that the term \nabla (c· \nabla) will yield a laplacian. This is however certainly not the case because you need to know on which coordinates the operators will act and on which variable exactly. Besides this is NOT a dot-product, yet this term merely defines a new derivative-operator. This operator is constructed not via the inproduct but via the external vector product, yielding the socalled diade : A_{i}B_{j} = (AB)_{ij}


besides : i never said the equations were right or wrong... :rolleyes:

marlon
 
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marlon said:
Well, what exactly is your question ? What are you trying to prove here ? Are you trying to rewrite the Maxwell equations in terms of the vectorpotential A and the scalar potential phi ?


regards
marlon

Noooooo... I'm trying to learn Physics, and practising all disciplines. My target is to be more prepared.

If I could do what you say... don't you think my level of mathematics and physics must be more elevated?

Only a student... with a very great ilusion to learn... and Dextercioby is a great master.
 
Raparicio said:
Noooooo... I'm trying to learn Physics, and practising all disciplines. My target is to be more prepared.

If I could do what you say... don't you think my level of mathematics and physics must be more elevated?

I don't think you got my point. I was not trying to be insulting here. The vectorpotential and scalar potential are indeed used in order to rewrite the Maxwell equations into two coupled differential equations. Via the introduction of the gauge-conditions you can decouple these two equations which makes it a lot easier to solve them. You get two equations : one for V and one for A. There will be no V in the equation for A and the other way around. That is what i mean by decoupling...

The actual decoupling happens via the gauge-transformations that you can introduce because the equations for A and V are NOT unique. So you can add a gradient to A and still keep on doing the right calculations. What i mean is this B = \nabla \times A

But you may as well write (P is a chosen scalar field) A = A + \nabla P Then you get B = \nabla \times A + \nabla \times (\nabla P) then last term in the RHS is ZERO due to the mixed product...

and Dextercioby is a great master.
:rolleyes: what ever...trust me, even he is not always right and somethimes a bit too willing to correct everybody... :wink:

regards
marlon
 
marlon said:
This is incorrect and incomplete. It is a classical mistake to assume that the term \nabla (c· \nabla) will yield a laplacian. This is however certainly not the case because you need to know on which coordinates the operators will act and on which variable exactly. Besides this is NOT a dot-product, yet this term merely defines a new derivative-operator. This operator is constructed not via the inproduct but via the external vector product, yielding the socalled diade : A_{i}B_{j} = (AB)_{ij}
marlon

Magister dixit: :-p

Even if so,if it ain't a contracted tensor product (resulting in the scalar laplace-ian),the eq.would still not be balanced:
The Hessian has tensor rank 2 (it's a square matrix,whose trace is the laplace-ian),while the nabla (in the same side) has a tensor rank one.

Daniel.

PS.If i wasn't wrong from time to time,i'd be really boring,right...??
 
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