Proving Gauss's Law with Coulomb's Law: Challenges and Solutions

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the challenges of proving Gauss's Law using Coulomb's Law, particularly when dealing with a finite charge density \(\rho(\vec{r})\) in \(R^3\). The integral for the electric field \(E(\vec{r})\) is established, but issues arise when the Gaussian surface intersects the charge distribution. Specifically, the convergence of the electric field integral and the application of the divergence theorem are highlighted as significant obstacles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the Dirac delta function, which simplifies many calculations in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and its mathematical formulation.
  • Familiarity with Gauss's Law and its applications in electrostatics.
  • Knowledge of the Divergence Theorem in vector calculus.
  • Basic concepts of charge density and electric fields in three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical implications of the Divergence Theorem in electrostatics.
  • Learn about the Dirac delta function and its applications in physics.
  • Explore advanced topics in charge distributions and their effects on electric fields.
  • Investigate alternative proofs of Gauss's Law under different conditions.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electromagnetism, as well as educators seeking to clarify the relationship between Coulomb's Law and Gauss's Law.

sadraj
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Hi guys. My question is related to proving Gauss's law by using Columb's law. Let start with a charge density [tex]\rho(\vec{r})[/tex] in [tex]R^3[/tex] . by Columb's law we have :
[tex]E(\vec{r})=\int{\frac{\rho(\vec{r'})d^3r'(\vec{r'}-\vec{r})}<br /> {|\vec{r'}-\vec{r}|^3}}[/tex]

suppose that domain of function [tex]\rho(\vec{r})[/tex] is finite in [tex]R^3[/tex]. Clearly it can be showed that above integral exists for any [tex]\vec{r}[/tex] out of the domain. & it's divergence is zero out of the domain. So for any Gauss's surface out of domain we can use Divergence theoreom to prove that
[tex]\int{E(\vec{r}).\vec{dS}}=\int{\rho(\vec{r})d^3\vec{r}}=\frac{Q}{\epsilon 0}[/tex]

But for a Gauss's surface that goes through domain of [tex]\rho(\vec{r})[/tex] we have two problems :
1. it is not clear that for all [tex]\vec{r}[/tex] the integral of electric field exist and converges.
2. Suppose that E converges for any [tex]\vec{r}[/tex]. But it is not easy to bring devergence operator in the integral. Divergence theoreom doesn't work here.

What is your idea? Please don't use delta dirac function. I don't understand it. Because I haven't studied distributions in mathematics.
Similar question can be asked when we have surface charge density on the Gauss's surface.
Sorry for bad english
 
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I think its more important that you understand the dirac delta function right now than prove gauss's law. This is a fundamental idea which can greatly simplify many of your future calculations.
 
I believe most of physicists or at least undergraduate people in physics don't understand delta dirac function (Like many things in mathematics) , They just use it. Like me !

I think similar to proving Gauss's law , clearly with divergence theorem out of charge's distribution , there is a way to show Gauss's law is true in other conditions that I interpreted.
 

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