Power radiated by point charge Calculus

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of power radiated by a point charge using the Poynting vector in electromagnetic theory. Participants explore the derivation of the total power expression and the integration process involved in spherical coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an expression for power using the Poynting vector and questions the origin of the term (2pir²sin(θ)dθ) in the integration process.
  • Another participant clarifies that the Poynting vector S is defined as S=1/2Re{E×H*}, leading to the equation for power passing through a surface area dA, which is assumed to be spherical.
  • This participant explains that the term dA is derived from spherical coordinates, specifically dA=r²sin(θ)d(θ)d(φ), and discusses the integration limits for θ and φ.
  • A later reply suggests that the factor of 1/2 in the Poynting vector may not be necessary, indicating a potential inconsistency in the application of the formula.
  • Another participant corrects their earlier statement, suggesting to keep the 1/2 factor while dismissing the need for the real part in certain calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of the 1/2 factor in the Poynting vector and the role of the real part in power calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal formulation of the Poynting vector for this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the integration process and the definitions used in spherical coordinates, which may not be universally agreed upon. The role of the real part of the Poynting vector in power calculations is also debated.

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It is found that Poyntings vector gives

P = ExH = (mu0q2a2sin2(theta)/6pi2cr2)r

This apparently leads to

Total Power = (mu0q2a2/6pi2c)\int(sin2(theta)/r2)(2pir2sin(theta)d\theta)

What I am unsure of is where the

(2pir2sin(theta)d\theta)

appears from. Can anyone help?
 
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actually the true equation is that S=1/2Re{ExH*} that's the real part of ExH* and H* is the conjugate of H.

this leads to Pwr = Int[S.dA]. this is the eqn for power passing thru a surface of area dA (assumed to be spherical). in it we integrated over the surface area of the sphere because the poynting vector is defined as the power per area. So if we multiply S by the area we obtain the power

where dA is r-squared times the solid angle == r^2*d(Omega). Expressed another way, dA=r^2*sin(theta)d(theta)d(phi) the r^2 sin(theta) comes out of the jacobian because you are changing from cartesian coordinates to spherical coordinates.

so that makes the Power=Int[1/2*Re{ExH*} * (r^2*sin(theta)d(theta)d(phi)),

here theta is integrated over 0 to Pi, Phi is integrated from 0 to 2*Pi

upon integrating you get the 2*Pi from the Phi integral.
which leaves you with the d(theta)*r^2*sin(theta)

hope that the response isn't too late.
 
in all truth you don't need that 1/2 on the Poynting vector S. Just a bad habit of mine from dealing with equations using the Poynting vector in E&M. So omit that 1/2 from what I stated above
 
sorry, had a brain fart when I posted that. I meant keep the 1/2 and dismiss the Real part. that is only when calculating the power/solid angle.

S = 1/2 (ExH*)
 

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