Use Gauss' Law to calculate the electrostatic potential for this cylinder

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on solving for the electrostatic potential of a cylinder using Gauss' Law and the Laplacian equation. The solution presented is V(r, phi) = a + b.ln(r) + summation terms involving r and sine functions. The boundary condition specified is V(R, phi) = V_0 sin(phi), leading to the suggestion of a solution form V(r, phi) = V_0 f(r) sin(phi) with f(R) = 1. Questions arise about the boundary conditions for both inner and outer potentials, particularly regarding continuity across the non-conducting cylinder. The potential must remain continuous, implying that the inner and outer potentials can be equated at the boundary.
Reg_S
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
An infinitely long hollow (non conducting) circular cylinder of radius R fixed at potential V =V•sin(phi) .
Relevant Equations
Using cylinder coordinates with z axis as a symmetric axis , argue V is independent of Z and V(r, -phi)= -V(r, phi)
b) Find electrostatic potential inside and outside of the cylinder
I solved laplacian equation. and got the solution of V(r, phi) = a. +b.lnr + (summation) an r^n sin(n phi +alpha n ) + (summation) bn r ^-n sin( n phi +beta n)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please help me how to use BCs and find the constant,
 
The boundary condition is V(R, \phi) = V_0\sin \phi (please don't use the same symbol for an unknown function and a given constant value). That immediately suggests trying a solution of the form V(r, \phi) = V_0f(r)\sin \phi with f(R) = 1.
 
  • Like
Likes topsquark and Reg_S
Thank you, Is it same BCs for inner and outer potential? just using relative term? Can we do (Phi)in = (phi)out at r=R?
 
The cylinder is non-conducting, so the potential is continuous across it.
 
(a) The polarisation pattern is elliptical with maximum (1,1) and minimum (-1,-1), and anticlockwise in direction. (b) I know the solution is a quarter-wave plate oriented π/4, and half-wave plate at π/16, but don't understand how to reach there. I've obtained the polarisation vector (cos π/8, isin π/8) so far. I can't find much online guidance or textbook material working through this topic, so I'd appreciate any help I can get. Also, if anyone could let me know where I can get more...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K