What is the Quadrupole Moment in Jackson's Multipole Expansion Problem 6.4b?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculation of the quadrupole moment in Jackson's Multipole Expansion, specifically Problem 6.4b. The user highlights that the uniform charge density leads to the dipole term being zero, and attempts to compute the quadrupole moment using Equation 4.9 in spherical coordinates. The integration results in zero due to the cosine factor, prompting a discussion on the necessity of considering surface charge density in addition to volume charge density. The conclusion emphasizes that the quadrupole moment must be calculated using a different method that accounts for the electric field outside the sphere.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics, specifically Multipole Expansion.
  • Familiarity with spherical coordinates and integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of charge density concepts, including surface and volume charge densities.
  • Basic principles of electric fields generated by charge distributions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Jackson's Equation 4.9 in detail to understand its application in quadrupole moment calculations.
  • Learn about the derivation and implications of induced surface charge density in electrostatics.
  • Explore methods for calculating electric fields of oscillating magnetic dipoles.
  • Investigate the relationship between potential and quadrupole moment tensor in multipole expansions.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying electrodynamics, as well as anyone tackling problems related to multipole expansions and charge distributions.

shehry1
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Homework Statement


Jackson 6.4b


Homework Equations


Multipole expansion especially Eq 4.9 in Jackson which is for a Quadrupole


The Attempt at a Solution


I found the result in 6.4a. The rho over there tells us that there is a charge density inside the sphere. Since the charge density is uniform about the x,y and z axis hence the dipole part of the expansion will go to zero.

Now for the quadrupole Q33: I convert the formula 4.9 to spherical coordinates and integrate the resulting expression:
(3z^2 - r^2 )*r^2 dr * d(Cos theta) * d(phi).

I get 0 because of the Cos thing. I think I need something like 5/3 from the Cosine to make the answer correct.
 
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The charge density calculated in part (a) is accurate everywhere inside the sphere. But don't you also need to account for the surface charge density when calculating the quadrapole moment? :wink:
 
gabbagabbahey said:
The charge density calculated in part (a) is accurate everywhere inside the sphere. But don't you also need to account for the surface charge density when calculating the quadrapole moment? :wink:

I was (implicitly) under the impression that the rho calculated would be valid for the surface as well. Could you kindly give me a physical reason for its not being valid at the surface.

Regards
 
Well, the problem states that the sphere is neutral...is that possible if you have a non-zero constant charge density throughout the sphere and on the surface?
 
gabbagabbahey said:
Well, the problem states that the sphere is neutral...is that possible if you have a non-zero constant charge density throughout the sphere and on the surface?

Ahh..so:
(induced surface charge) + (induced volume charge) = 0.

Thanks a lot.
 
To be clear; since part (c) asks you to calulate the surface charge density-- and that part comes after this part of the question--- I'd assume you are expected to use an entirely different method to determine the quadrapole moment. You are probably expected to first determine E outside the sphere (using your knowledge of what the electric field of an oscillating magnetic dipole looks like) and then use that to determine the potential and then the quadrapole moment tensor.
 
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