Why only l=1 of spherical harmonics survives?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the spherical harmonics expansion of the magnetic scalar potential, specifically in the context of Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics. It is established that only the l=1 term survives in the expansion of 1/|x-x'| due to the orthogonality properties of spherical harmonics. The user attempts to understand why terms with l≠1 vanish, particularly questioning the orthogonality of sine and cosine functions within the spherical harmonics framework. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of the integration range in determining the surviving terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Spherical harmonics and their properties
  • Magnetic scalar potential in electrodynamics
  • Orthogonality of functions in mathematical analysis
  • Integration techniques in spherical coordinates
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the orthogonality of spherical harmonics in detail
  • Explore the addition theorem for 1/|x-x'| in electrodynamics
  • Review Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics, focusing on Chapter 3
  • Investigate the implications of integration limits on spherical harmonics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, particularly those studying electrodynamics, as well as researchers and educators looking to deepen their understanding of spherical harmonics and their applications in potential theory.

mr.canadian
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The question is about page 198 of Jackson's Classical Electrodynamics. The magnetic scalar potential is set to be:

Phi = ∫ (dΩ' cosθ'/ |x-x'|).

Using the spherical harmonics expansion of 1/|x-x'|, the book claims that only l=1 survives. I don't know why terms of l≠1 vanish


The Attempt at a Solution



I considered the addition theorem of 1/|x-x'| that contains on Y* (θ',ϕ'). I am trying to see whether the sin's and cos's inside Y* (θ',ϕ') are orthogonal to cosθ' for l≠1, but I had no success doing so. I could not think of other reasons why only l=1 terms survive.

Any ideas
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are sines and cosines not orthogonal?
Don't forget the range of the integration.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K