What is the potential at the center of a sphere with given boundary conditions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving for the potential at the center of a sphere given specific boundary conditions, particularly using Laplace's equation in spherical coordinates. The boundary condition provided is u(2, theta, psi) = 5sin(theta)sin(0.25psi) with a potential of r=2m on the sphere's surface. To find the potential at the center, one must match the angular component with the boundary condition and solve the radial ordinary differential equation (ODE), ensuring non-singular solutions at r=0.

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Homework Statement


Given potential r=2m on the surface of the sphere which meets the Laplasian equation (triangle)u=0 and is u(2,theta,psi)=5sin(theta)sin(0.25psi). I need to find the potential of sphere center. Can anyone help me?


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Write Laplace's equation in spherical coordinates, plug in your boundary condition and solve.

Note that the angular component has solutions which you can expand in terms of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_harmonics" . You should first match the angular component with the boundary condition. Then it is a simple matter of solving the radial ODE for the boundary conditions... noting you must have non-singular solutions only at r=0.
 
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