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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the quadrupole moment in the context of Jackson's multipole expansion, specifically problem 6.4b. Participants are examining the implications of charge density within a sphere and its effects on the quadrupole moment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of uniform charge density on the dipole and quadrupole moments, with one attempting to integrate a formula in spherical coordinates. Questions arise regarding the necessity of considering surface charge density and its validity at the surface of the sphere.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance is offered regarding the calculation of surface charge density and the expectation of using different methods for determining the quadrupole moment. There is no explicit consensus on the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the sphere is stated to be neutral, raising questions about the implications of having a non-zero charge density throughout the sphere and on its surface. There is also mention of subsequent parts of the problem that may require different methods for calculations.

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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