Why Can't the Dirac Delta Function Be a Solution in Electrostatics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the uniqueness theorem in electrostatics, particularly in the context of a point charge placed above an infinite grounded conducting plane. Participants explore the implications of the theorem and the validity of potential solutions, including the use of the Dirac delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the uniqueness theorem, suggesting that the potential due to a point charge above a grounded conducting plane could be represented by a Dirac delta function, which would imply infinite potential at the charge's location.
  • Another participant asserts that the proposed potential does not satisfy Poisson's equation.
  • A later reply acknowledges the initial claim was incorrect regarding the satisfaction of Poisson's equation.
  • There is a discussion about the definition of an electric dipole, with some participants arguing that a configuration of two charges separated by a finite distance does not constitute a dipole and can have higher order moments.
  • Participants express differing views on the definition of a dipole, with some suggesting it should have an infinitesimal extent while others argue for the possibility of finite size and higher order moments.
  • There is a mention of the common English usage of "dipole," which may lead to confusion in its technical application.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the validity of the Dirac delta function as a potential solution and the definition of an electric dipole. The discussion remains unresolved regarding these points.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the nature of the potential and the definitions of terms like "dipole," which may affect the interpretations of the uniqueness theorem and the proposed solutions.

possible
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the question is about the uniqueness theorem (right now I am reading in griffiths book).
the first uniqueness theorem state's that "the solution to laplace's equation in some volume is uniquely determined if the potential is specified on the boundary surface ".
I understand that this gives us the right to use the method of images and to say that there is only one solution there
now here is my question :
if a point charge is placed above an infinite grounded conducting plane then from the first uniqueness theorem there is only one solution to this problem which is the potential due to an electric dipole
but I think there is another solution
which is that the potential is zero everywhere above the conduction surface except at the point where the charge is placed, at that point the potential is infinite
that is
V={\delta (r-zk)}
where \delta is the dirac delta function
and zk is the position of the point charge (0,0,z)
that solution satisfies the boundary conditions and the poisson's equation
so why should that solution be wrong ?
 
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The Poisson's equation is not satisfied by this potential !
 
possible said:
if a point charge is placed above an infinite grounded conducting plane then from the first uniqueness theorem there is only one solution to this problem which is the potential due to an electric dipole
but I think there is another solution
which is that the potential is zero everywhere above the conduction surface except at the point where the charge is placed, at that point the potential is infinite
that is
V={\delta (r-zk)}
where \delta is the dirac delta function
and zk is the position of the point charge (0,0,z)
that solution satisfies the boundary conditions and the poisson's equation
Really? Please show your working.
 
sorry guys it turned out I was wrong
it doesn't satisfy the poisson's equation
 
No worries - helps to crunch the numbers.
Although there is a clue in that you seem to have tried for a point charge with no electric field around it (except at the point and on the surface of the conductor).
 
"if a point charge is placed above an infinite grounded conducting plane then from the first uniqueness theorem there is only one solution to this problem which is the potential due to an electric dipole"
is also not true with him and. A positive and a negative charge separated by a finite distance is not an electric dipole. It also has higher multiple moments.
 
@Meir Achuz:
OK - but have a go writing out a complete description...

An electric dipole can have an electric dipole moment ... can it also have higher order moments?

Intreguing though:
I thought an "electric dipole moment" was a different beastie to an "electric dipole".
 
I have always thought of a 'dipole' as having an infinitesimal extent.
I guess some people think it can be of finite size, but then it would also have higher order moments..
 
It's understandable - the common English-language use of the term "dipole" refers simply to a physical setup where there are two poles of something. From this use we get the technical term which refers only to the particular term in the multipole expansion of the potential of a distributed group of charges.
This is where I'm usually asked for a reference ... so, for completeness: the common use can be found in the http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/dipole .
(JIC someone wants to check.)
 
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  • #10
Other dictionaries include the word 'small' for the distance between, but let's get back to physics.
 
  • #11
I agree - the foibles of English use is interesting - but distracting.
 

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