Princeton University

Ph501
Electrodynamics
Problem Set 2
Kirk T. McDonald
(1998)
kirkmcd@princeton.edu
http://puhep1.princeton.edu/~mcdonald/examples/

Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2, Problem 1 1

1. Show that the electromagnetic energy of a dielectric subject to fields E and D = E is

1
U= E · D dVol, (1)
8π
by considering the model of atoms as springs (Problem 8b, set 1). The energy U then
has two parts: 
1
U1 = E2 dVol, (2)
8π
stored in the electric field, and

kx2
U2 = n dVol, (3)
2
stored in the spring-like atoms (n is the number of atoms per unit volume). Assume n
is small so that the dielectric constant  is nearly 1.

Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2, Problem 2 2

2. (a) Show that the energy of a quadrupole in an external electric field E,

1 ∂Ej
Uquad = − Qij , (4)
6 ∂xi
in terms of its quadrupole tensor Qij , can be rewritten as

Qxx ∂Ex
Uquad = − , (5)
4 ∂x
if the quadrupole is rotationally symmetric about the x axis. Give an expression
for the force F on the quadrupole.
(b) A rotationally symmetric quadrupole of strength Qxx (zero net charge, zero dipole
moment) is located at distance r from a point charge q. What is the force on the
quadrupole if:
i. The x axis is along the line joining Qxx and q?
ii. The x axis is perpendicular to the line joining Qxx and q?
For your own edification, confirm your answer by considering the simple quadrupole:
t y t
−q1 2q1 −q1

then the charge gains energy eE0 d as it moves distance d from the plane. Problem 3 3 3. .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. The principle of an electrostatic accelerator is that when a charge e escapes from a conducting plane that supports a uniform electric field of strength E0. Where does this energy come from? Show that the mechanical energy gain of the electron is balanced by the decrease in the electrostatic field energy of the system.

. (a) Two point dipoles of strength p are aligned along their line of centers. Calculate the force between two hemispheres in two different ways. and by means of the Maxwell stress tensor. It is in a region of zero external field. Calculate the force between the dipoles via F = (p· ∇)E.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. and distance 2d apart. Problem 4 4 4. (b) A spherical conducting shell of radius a carries charge q.

discuss qualitatively how the force arises the pulls the liquid up into the capacitor. show that the oil rises to height ( − 1)V 2 h=   .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. Problem 5 5 5. 1(c) of set 1. (b) Recalling prob. (a) Two coaxial pipes of radii a and b (a < b) are lowered vertically into an oil bath: If a voltage V is applied between the pipes. (6) 4πρg ln b a (b2 − a2) where g is the acceleration due to gravity. .

To have a nonzero potential φ inside V there must. show that the potential within a charge-free sphere of radius a.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. As a particular example. According to a theorem of Green. be charges on the surface of or exterior to volume V .       ρ(x) 1 ∂ 1 1 ∂φ(x) φ(x) = dVol +  φ(x )  − dS  . x) = + ψ. (8) 4πa S R3 Green (1828) gave a derivation of Poisson’s integral (8) that can be generalized to many other problems in electrostatics. Problem 6 6 6. However. (12) R . (7) V R 4π S ∂n R R ∂n where R = |x − x | is the distance between the point of observation and the element of the integrand. Recall that a key step towards eq. (11) 4π S ∂n ∂n where 1 G(x. x )  ∂φ(x ) = φ(x )  − G(x. (7) is the identity   ∇ · (ψ∇φ − φ∇ψ) dVol = (ψ∇2φ − φ∇2 ψ) dVol V V   ∂φ ∂ψ = (ψ∇φ − φ∇ψ) · dS = ψ −φ dS. centered on the origin. we could combine eqs. further insights of Green indicate that it suffices to specify only one of φ or ∂φ/∂n on the bounding surface to determine the potential within. of course. then the identity (9) reduces to  ∂φ ∂ψ 0= ψ −φ dS. (9) S S ∂n ∂n For problems in which the interior of volume V is charge free the potential obeys ∇2 φ = 0 there. the potential φ(x) in the interior of a volume V can be deduced from a knowledge of the charge density ρ(x) inside that volume plus knowledge of the potential and the normal derivative ∂φ/∂n of the potential on the surface S that bounds the volume. x )  dS  . 1820)  a 2 − x2 φ(x) φ(x) = dS . can be determined from knowledge of only the potential φ on its surface according to (Poisson. (7) and (10) to yield the relation        1 ∂ 1 1 ∂φ(x ) φ(x) = φ(x)  +ψ − +ψ dS  4π S ∂n R R ∂n      1  ∂G(x. If function ψ also obeys ∇2 ψ = 0 inside V (and so might be the potential for some other distribution of charges exterior to V ). (10) S ∂n ∂n Hence.

Further. x) vanishes on the surface S. Hence. and G as the total potential of that charge configuration. then we have the desirable relation between the potential φ in the interior of V and its value on the bounding surface S. x) = En /4π = −(1/4π)∂G/∂n. . 1  ∂G(x. Since the function G is the potential for a specifiable charge configuration. (13) as  φ(x) = − σ G (x. If we consider surface S to be a grounded conductor when determining function G. the normal derivative −∂G/∂n corresponds to the electric field (whose only nonzero component is En ) at the surface S produced by those charges. and wrote eq. (14) S Turning at last to Poisson’s integral (8). it is plausible that these exist for interesting physical surfaces S (although it turns out that mathematicians have constructed examples of surfaces for which a Green’s function does not exist). we may think of the bounding surface S as being a grounded conductor for the purposes of determining the potentials ψ and G.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. then the charge density σG at position x on that surface. would be σG (x. x)φ(x) dS  . caused by the hypothetical unit charge at x. in which case the “exterior” charges reside on the surface S. x) φ(x) = φ(x) dS  . and thereby verify Poisson’s result. Problem 6 7 IF the Green’s function G(x. we see that the needed Green’s function for a sphere corresponds to the potential at x due to unit charge at x in the presence of a grounded conducting sphere of radius a. (13) 4π S ∂n Green noted that the auxiliary potential ψ can be thought of as due to exterior charges that bring the surface S to zero potential when there is unit charge at position x inside volume V . Use the method of images to construct the Green’s function and its normal derivative. Green emphasized this phyisical interpretation in his original work.

A parallel-plate capacitor is connected to a battery which maintains the plates at constant potential difference V0 . (a) Show that the battery does work Q0V0 ( − 1) during the insertion process. . the agent inserting the slab? Suppose the battery was disconnected before the dielectric was inserted. (d) Repeat (b). (e) Repeat (c). (b) What is the change in the electrostatic energy of the capacitor? (c) How much work is done by the mechanical forces on the slab when it is inserted? Is this work done by. or on. A slab of dielectric constant  is inserted between the plates. Problem 7 8 7.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. completely filling the space between them. if Q0 is the charge on the plates before the slab is inserted.

If p1 makes angle θ1 to their line of centers. (15) . Problem 8 9 8. (a) Find the “escape velocity” of an electron initially 1 A above a grounded conducting plate. show that the equilibrium angle θ2 of p2 is related to θ 1 by tan θ1 = −2 tan θ2 .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. (b) Point electric dipoles p1 and p2 lie in the same plane at a fixed distance apart.

Problem 9 10 9. We may define the capacity of a single conductor with respect to infinity as C = Q/V . Calculate the capacity of a conductor composed of two tangent spheres of radius a. .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. where V is the potential (with respect to potential φ = 0 at ∞) when charge Q is present on the conductor.

Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. (d) Show that the force between the two hemispheres with equator perpendicular to 9 2 E0 is F = 16 a E0 . θ) in spherical coordinates (r. (This field changes after the sphere is added. A grounded conducting sphere of radius a is placed in a uniform external field E = E0ẑ.) This problem may be solved by the method of images if we suppose the field E0 is due to two charges ±Q at positions z = ±R. with Q and R appropriately large. Problem 10 11 10. (b) Give an expression for the potential φ(r. Sketch the electric field lines. θ. . (a) Show that the image of the source of E0 is then a dipole p = a3E0 located at the center of the sphere. 3 (c) Show that the induced charge distribution on the sphere is σ = E 4π 0 cos θ. ϕ) cen- tered on the sphere.

y) inside the tube. Remember to use a sum of products of all solutions to the separated equations which do not violate the boundary conditions. A hollow infinite rectangular conducting tube of sides a and b has two faces grounded and two faces at potentials V1 and V2 as shown: y φ=0 φ= V1 φ= V2 b φ=0 a x Find the potential φ(x. . Problem 11 12 11.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2.

and at z = 0 and c. (Choose the signs of the separation constants carefully!) . Problem 12 13 12. at y = 0 and b. A hollow rectangular conducting box has walls at x = 0 and a. for which φ = V : z φ= V φ=0 φ=0 φ=0 c φ=0 y φ=0 b a x Find the potential φ(x.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. All faces are grounded except that at z = c. y. z) inside the box.

(18) 1 − 4πnα/3 1 − 4πnα/3 where the approximation holds for small n. (20) 8π 8π 8π using the Lorenz-Lorentz approximation for the dielectric constant  in terms of the polarizability α.  1 U2 ≈ 4πnαE 2 dVol. where e is the charge of an electron. and supposing that D = E. and where n is the number of molecules per unit volume. The energy stored in a dielectric composed of spring like atoms can be written in two parts. Then. and α = e2/mω 2 is the atomic polarizability introduced in eq. (69) of set 1.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. so nα nα P= E. The displacement x in the spring-like atom is related by kx = eEon atom. In this case. (16) 8π 2 where E is the applied electric field. On p. and Eon atom = E 1 + ≈ E. P = nαEon atom. . (17) 2k 2 mω 2  where ω = k/m is the frequency of oscillation of the electron of mass m. in terms of the applied field E and the induced polarization P. But.    e2Eon 2 atom 1 e2Eon 2 atom 1 2 U2 = n dVol = n 2 dVol = nαEon atom dVol. (19) 8π and    1 1 1 U≈ (1 + 4πnα)E 2 dVol ≈ E 2 dVol = E · D dVol.   1 2 kx2 U = U1 + U2 = E dVol + n dVol. we argued that Eon atom = E + 4πP/3. Solution 1 14 Solutions 1. 20 of the Notes.

Qxx ∂Ex 1 ∂Ey 1 ∂Ez 3 ∂Ex 1 Qxx Qxx ∂Ex U =− − − =− − ∇·E =− . assuming that the external field is produced by charges not at the location of the quadrupole. (24) r3 Then. and along the latter’s axis. 6 ∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2 ∂x 26 4 ∂x (22) using ∇ · E = 0. . since    Qij = ρ (3ri rj − r2 δij ) dVol ⇒ Qxx = 2q  r 2 = −4q1a2 . z) = (R. (23) 4 ∂x2 ∂x∂y ∂x∂z (b) i. Consider a point charge q at at the origin and the quadrupole at (x. 0). 0. (26) 2 R4 Let us check this for the simple quadrupole shown in the picture. 0. 0 . (a) As argued on p. from (4). is q1 q 2q1q q1 q 6a2q1 q Fx = − + − = − (1 + O(a/R)). (28) . 0) as   3 qQxx F= . 13 of the Notes. rotational symmetry of a charge distribution about the x axis implies that its quadrupole tenson Qij can be written ⎛ ⎞ ⎜ Qxx 0 0 ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ Qij = ⎜ ⎜ 0 −Qxx/2 0 ⎟. . z) is qx Ex = . where r 2 = x2 + y 2 + z 2 . (25) ∂x r5 and the force is evaluated from (23) at (R. Solution 2 15 2. The x-component of the electric field from q observed at (x. (27) (R − a)2 R2 (R + a)2 R4 This agrees with (26). The force on the quadrupole due to charge q at distance R from the center of the quadrupole.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. 0. y. ∂Ex r2 − 3x2 =q . t y t −q1 2q1 −q1 Suppose the distance between −q1 and 2q1 is a. The force on the quadrupole is: Qxx ∂ 2Ex ∂ 2Ex ∂ 2 Ex F = −∇U = . ⎟ (21) ⎝ ⎠ 0 0 −Qxx/2 and hence. y.

(23) and (25) combine to reveal that only the derivative ∂ 2Ex /∂x∂y is nonvanishing. 0) (but still oriented parallel to the x axis). R. Solution 2 16 ii. the quadrupole is at (0. we can directly compute the force on the simple quadrupole: q1 q q1qR 3qq1a2 3qQxx Fy = 2 2 − 2 ≈ =− . (30) R (R + a2 )3/2 R4 4R4 using (28). If. (29) 4R4 Again.0 . and   3qQxx F = 0.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. eqs. − . . instead.

It turns out to be convenient to use a cylindrical coordinate system. . z) = (0. (33) 0 When the particle has traversed a potential difference V = E0 d. (31) r1 r2 where r1 (r2) points from the charge (image) to the observation point r. where the obser- vation point is r = (r. 0. it has gained energy eV and the electromagnetic field has lost the same energy. However. Then. 0. The charge e and its image charge −e at positions (r. so as to put the charge at rest at potential −V prior to acceleration. leading to zero overall energy change. d).  E0 ẑ · Ee Uint = dVol 4π   ∞ eE0 ∞ z−d z+d = dz πdr 2 − 4π 0 0 [r2 + (z − d)2 ]3/2 [r2 + (z + d)2 ]3/2 ⎛⎧ ⎫ ⎞ ⎪ ⎪ eE0  ∞ ⎜ ⎨ 2 if z > d ⎬ ⎟ = dz ⎝ − 2⎠ 4 ⎪ ⎩ ⎪ ⎭ 0 −2 if z < d  d = −eE0 dz = −eE0d. ±d) with respect to a conducting plane at z = 0. (32) The part of the electrostatic field energy that varies with the position of the charge is the interaction term. The total electric field is then E0ẑ + Ee . In a practical “electrostatic” accelerator. as illustrated below. er1 er2 Ee (r. Vectors r1 and r2 are directed from the charges to the observation point (r. Solution 3 17 3. 0. z). θ.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. z) = (r. Once the charge has reached distance d from the plane. and the charge is at (0. 2 r1. d) = 3 − 3 . z). the particle is freed from an electrode at potential −V and emerges with energy eV in a region of zero potential. the static electric field Ee at an arbitrary point r due to the charge can be calculated by summing the field of the charge plus its image charge. 0.2 = r2 + (z ∓ d)2 . θ. An “electrostatic” accelerator must have an essential component (such as a battery) that provides a nonelectrostatic force that can absorb the energy extracted from the electrostatic field while moving the charge from potential zero. the particle could not be moved to the negative electrode from a region of zero potential by purely electrostatic forces unless the particle lost energy eV in the process.

the force F = −∇U is along x with magnitude  ∂ 2 1  3p2 F = −p 2  = − . 33 of the Notes. (35) ∂x (2d. 0. (40) S as on p. A point dipole p2 is the limit of a pair of charges ±q2 at positions r2 and r2 − s where s = sp̂2 . we have  ∂E  3p2 F = (p · ∇)E = p  = − 4 x̂. 0). closing . (39) ∂x2 x2 x=2d 8d4 as found in (35). and the product q2s is held constant at value p2 . (34) r3 r4 r For a second dipole at (x. where the Maxwell tensor in empty space is given by   1 1 Tij = Ei Ej − δij E 2 . Now. (38)  ∂x x=2d x2 Then. The electric field from one of the dipoles. as on p. (a) First. Thus. The force on the charges within a (closed) surface S is given by  Fi = Tij dSj . (37) s→0. the interaction energy of two point dipoles is obtained from (36) as p1 · r p1 · r p1 · r U= lim q2 − 3 = (p2 · ∇2 ) . we calculate the force directly. z) = (2d.0. where U is the energy of interaction of the two dipoles. Solution 4 18 4. For p1 = p2 = px̂ separated by distance 2d along x. also with moment p = px̂. y. (37) reduces to   2 ∂  1 U=p  . it is convenient to choose the surface as the midplane perpendicular to the line connecting two dipoles (the x axis). (41) 4π 2 In the problem with two dipoles. 12 of the Notes.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. As an aside. is 3(p · r̂)r̂ − p 3pxr̂ px̂ E= = − 3. (36) r where r = |r| = |r2 − r1|.0) 8d The minus sign indicates that the dipole’s attract. First. let us calculate the force via the Maxwell stress tensor. the energy of a charge q2 at position r2 in the field of a dipole p1 at position r1 is p1 · r U = q2 3 . we can also calculate F = −∇U. q2 s=p r3 r r3 where r = |r2 − s − r1|. taken to be at the origin and with moment p = px̂.

the sign of which implies that the surface S encloses the dipole at x = 0.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. Since dS = (0. hence. 0. and the only nonzero components of E on that surface are Ex and Ey . and it is given by   1 ∞ 2 2 ∞ (r2 − 2d2 )2 Fx = r drEx = p r dr 2 4 0 0 (r + d2 )5   p2 ∞ (t − 2d2 )2 p2 ∞ [(t + d2 ) − 3d2 ]2 = dt = dt (44) 2 0 (t + d2 )5 2 0 (t + d2 )5    p2 ∞ 1 6d2 9d4 = dt − + 2 0 (t + d2 )3 (t + d2 )4 (t + d2 )5   p2 1 2 9 3p2 = − + = .) To find the force between two hemispheres. 2πr dr) there. noting that since the dipoles attract. only Tzz = −E 2/8π = −q 2/8πr4 contributes to the force. On this plane (x = d) the only nonzero component of E is Ex . (b) The electric field outside the conducting sphere of radius a is E = qr̂/r2 . 0. the total field is then 3d2 1 2d2 − r2 Ex (r) = 2p 2 2 5/2 − 2 = 2p . (40) and (43) indicate that only Fx is nonzero. we integrate the component of pressure normal to the equatorial plane (P cos θ) over one hemisphere:  1 q 2 cos θ q2 F = 2πa2 d cos θ = . while the field inside the sphere is zero. The pressure (= force per unit area) on the surface charges is P = σE/2. (The coefficient 1/2 is needed because E is the field outside the surface. thus the average field inside the charge layer is E/2. (45) 0 8πa4 8a2 Now. At radius r from (d. we find  ∞  ∞ q2 dr q2 Fz = 2πr drTzz = = . Integrating from r = a to ∞. We integrate Fz over the x-y plane separating our sphere into two hemispheres. the force on the dipole at x = 0 is in the +x direction. where σ is the surface charge density. 0) in cylindrical coordinates. and this is twice Ex from the dipole at x = 0. Then. Solution 4 19 the surface at infinity around one of the dipoles. 0. ⎛ ⎞ ⎜ Ex2 0 0 ⎟ 1 ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ Tij = ⎜ ⎜ 0 −Ex2 0 ⎟. (46) a 4 a r3 8a2 in agreement with (45). . 0) in the symmetry plane. P = q 2r̂/8πa4 . 2 2d4 d4 4d4 8d4 This agrees with (35). ⎟ (43) 8π ⎝ ⎠ 0 0 −Ex2 We take our surface element to be dS = (2πrdr. let us calculate the force using the Maxwell stress tensor. (42) [r + d ] [r + d2 ]3/2 [r2 + d2 ]5/2 The Maxwell stress tensor is thus.

we find for constant voltage. Suppose we increase the height of the oil by δh. the energy of the electric field in the capacitor is:  b  b 1 1 U= h 2 E 2πr dr + (H − h) E 22πr dr. Evaluating the integrals:  b  b V2 dr V2 2π E 2 r dr = 2π = 2π b . (a) The electrical force F required to pull oil of density ρ into a cylindrical capacitor of inner and outer radii a and b. yet. (50) ∂h V As the liquid is drawn into the capacitor. (48) Since V = Q/C. (53) a ln2 ab a r ln a we then find: 1 V2 U= [( − 1)h + H] . where α is fixed by  b b V V = Er dr = α ln . noting that the capacitor is held at constant voltage by a battery. (54) 4 ln ab . the energy for this must come from elsewhere. Conservation of energy implies 0 = F δh + δU − V δQ. work F δh is done on the oil. the energy U = CV 2 /2 stored in the capacitor changes by δU. We now calculate the stored energy U by integrating the electric field energy density. Then. the energy of the capacitor increases because the battery loses energy in twice the amount of work done on the liquid. (48) and (49) imply that  ∂U  F =+  . 2CV 2 V δQ = V δC = 2δ = 2δU. (52) 8π a 8π a where the first term on the right is the contribution from the space filled with the oil whose dielectric constant is . while the second term is from the empty space above. the electric field between the pipes has form Er (r) = α/r. Solution 5 20 5. (49) 2 Together. (51) a a ln ab Suppose the total height of the capacitor (above the bath) is H. respectively. and the battery loses energy V δQ. (47) A second relation for F can be computed from the balance of electrical energy. Then.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. to height h above the bath is equal to the force of gravity: F = ρgh(b2 − a2). or α= . By cylindrical symmetry and Gauss’s law.

That is. . We have concluded that the liquid is drawn into the interior of the capacitor and that the liquid near the middle of the capacitor is forced up against the capacitor plates by electrostatic forces on the induced dipoles. Here. See prob. Solution 5 21 The force is obtained from (50) and (54):  ∂U  V 2 ( − 1) Fel =  = . (47) we obtain the height h of the oil column: ( − 1)V 2 h=   . would liquid squirt out? (If yes. the fringe fields of the capacitor pull the liquid in from all sides. (57) 4π where χ is the dielectric susceptibility and  is the dielectric constant. It is interesting to consider a variant on this problem: a capacitor with horizontal plates completely immersed in a dielectric liquid. but by the material of the capacitor plates (whose stability is not a result of purely electrostatic effects). (59) 4π The gradient ∇E 2 in the fringe field of the capacitor points from the outside to the interior of the capacitor. (58) 4π and so the force density on the liquid is given by −1 f = −∇u = ∇E 2.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. we would have a perpetual motion machine. The energy density associated with the induced polarization is −1 2 u = −P · E = − E . “trapping” it inside the capacitor. If we drill a hole in the center of one capacitor plate. with a generally vertical component for the liquid below the capacitor in the present problem. the fringe fields around the hole will pull liquid into the interior of the capacitor creating a static equilibrium much as before.) No. work would be required to pull the liquid out of the capacitor in any direction. (56) 4πρg ln b a (b2 − a2) (b) The force on the liquid arises from the effect of gradients of the electric field on the molecular dipoles in the liquid. (55) ∂h V 4 ln ab Equating this to the force of gravity. Is this an example of electrostatic trapping – which is claimed not to exist? No! The “trapping” in the direction perpendicular to the capacitor plates is not pro- vided by purely electrostratic fields. 7 of set 4 for further discussion. The spatially varying electric field E results in a bulk dielectric polarization given by −1 P = χE = E.

(64) ∂n ∂r R3 R 3 x aR3 using eq. (13). we obtain Poisson’s integral. (62). so that √ R = |r − x| = r2 + 2rx cos θ + x2 . (65) 4πa S R3 . also inside the sphere. Inserting this in eq. (62) x The potential inside the sphere can now be written 1 a φ(r) = −  . Solution 6 22 6. Then we need the normal derivative of this potential on the inner surface of the sphere.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2.when |r| = r = a. ∂φ ∂φ(r = a) a + x cos θ a[a + (a2/x) cos θ] a2 − x2 =− = − = .  a 2 − x2 φ(x) φ(x) = dS . then a R = R. (63) R Rx The normal derivative of the potential on the inner surface of the sphere is the negative of its radial derivative when r = a. (61) x x We see that when r = a. i. (60) and  a2 a4 R = |r − x | = r2 + 2r cos θ + 2 . for which we first need the potential φ at a point r inside a grounded conducting sphere of radius a when unit charge is located at x. The image method for a grounded conducting sphere tells us that the potential inside the sphere can be calculated as that due to unit charge at x together with charge −a/x at position x = a2x/x2 .e. We work from eq. (13). We denote the angle between vectors r and x as θ.

the work done on the external agent that held the dielectric during insertion is equal and opposite to the change in stored energy. the field energy U = CV 2 /2 stored in the capacitor changes by 1 1 1 ΔU = ΔCV02 = C0 V02 ( − 1) = Q0V0 ( − 1). the dielectric is pulled into the capacitor whether or not the battery is still connected. Solution 7 23 7. (70) 2 (d) If the battery had been disconnected before the dielectric was inserted. From (66) we see that the final voltage would be only V0 /. Hence the work done on the agent is again positive. . (b) As the dielectric is inserted. the work done by the battery as the dielectric is inserted. ΔWbatt = V0 ΔQ = V02ΔC = V02 ( − 1)C0 = Q0 V0 ( − 1). (68) is positive. (a) The capacitance C of a parallel-plate capacitor of area A. The rest of the work done by the battery is done on the external agent that held the dielectric during insertion (the external agent gained energy): 1 ΔWon agent = Q0V0 ( − 1). then the charge Q0 would be constant. (68). (66) d V Adding the dielectric increased the capacitance to Cf = C0. Thus. (69) 2 2 2 (c) The work done by the battery. the change in the electrostatic field energy would then be  2   1 V0 1 1 1 ΔU = C0 − C0 V0 = Q0V0 2 − 1 < 0. gap thickness d and dielectric constant  is A Q C= ≡ . but now with the value 1 −1 ΔWon agent = Q0V0 . is only partly accounted for in increase in the field energy. Recalling (67). (71) 2  2 2  (e) By conservation of energy. if the voltage is kept fixed.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. (72) 2  That is. (67) and hence the charge also increase. (69).

Hence. must have a minimum velocity related by     2|U| e2 e 2 c2 re vmin = = = 2 =c . Equation (73) indicates that an electron is “bound” to the conducting plane. with that electron plus a positron at distance −r.11 × 105 eV U =− mc 2 = − = − = −3. (80) r3 where the minus sign indicates that E⊥ is directed opposite to p1. the torque on dipole p2 must vanish. The angle of the field line. The electric field of the latter is given by 3(p1 · r̂)r̂ − p1 E= . i. and hence of p2 is E⊥ 1 tan θ2 = = − tan θ1 . (a) The field energy associated with an electron at distance r from a grounded con- ducting plane is 1/2 that associated with the corresponding image charge.6 eV. (75) c 2 × 10−8 (Notice that the nonrelativistic approximation suffices. in the absence of the conducting plane. there is no energy associated with the “fictitious” image fields inside the conduc- tor.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2.8 × 10−13 5. Solution 8 24 8. and so p2 will be directed along the electric field created by dipole p1 . (73) 2 2r 4r The fields in the image solution have reality only outside the conducting plane.) The “binding energy” can be estimated from (73) as e2 re mc2 2.8 × 10−13 = = 0. for r=1 A.0037. and so to escape.  vmin 2. (78) r The orthogonal projection is E⊥ = E − E . (81) E 2 . (76) 4mc2 r r 4 10−8 4 (b) In equilibrium. Thus. (77) r3 The projection of E onto the line connecting two dipoles is p1 E = E · r̂ = 2 3 cos θ1 .e.. (74) m 2mr 2mc r 2r where re = e2/mc2 = 2.8 × 10−13 cm is the classical electron radius. 1 e2 e2 U =− =− . (79) leading to p1 E⊥ = − sin θ1 .⊥ .

386a. We first find the image-charge distribution needed to bring one sphere to potential V . i. We solve the problem of the capacity of two tangent. . -q/2 q q The total charge needed to bring both spheres to potential V is double that described in the sequence above. Hence. obtained by reflection symmetry about the plane through the point of tangency of the two spheres. ... conducting spheres of radii a by the method of images. (b) To bring sphere 2 to zero potential. add an image charge (c) inside sphere 1 so that this sphere is at zero potential under the effect of charges (b) and (c).. -q/2 . (a) Place charge q = aV at the center of sphere 1. (d) Add charge −q/4 at 3a/4 from the center of sphere 2 to bring it back to zero potential. (82) 2 3 4 and the capacitance is C = Q/V = 2a ln 2 = 1. bringing its surface to otential V . a/3 from the point of contact. = 2aV ln 2. add charge −(−q/2)(a/(3a/2)) = +q/3 at distance a2/(3a/2) = 2a/3 from the center of sphere 1. 41 of the Notes. Then.e. capacitance has the dimension of [length] in Gaussian units. That is.. we complete the solution by superposing the mirror distribution.. since a is the only relevant length. Thus. following the prescription on p. (83) Note that since the dimensions of potential are [charge]/[length]. (e) ... (c) The image charge (b) takes sphere 1 away from potential V . but leaving the other at zero potential. To bring it back.. place charge −q(a/2a) = −q/2 at distance a2/2a = a/2 from the center of sphere 2. we expect that C ≈ a for this problem.   1 1 1 Q = 2q 1 − + − + ..Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2.. Solution 9 25 9.

(85) r2 The field lines bend in to be normal to the sphere at r = a: p (c) We find the surface charge density σ from the normal component of the electric field at the surface of the sphere:  ∂φ  Er (a. The force on the right hemisphere is directed along z and is obtained by integrating the z component of F:  1 1 9 2 2 Fz = 2πa2 d cos θ(3E0 cos θ)2(cos θ) = a E0 . where Q → ∞ and R → ∞ in such a way as to keep Q/R2 constant. (a) The uniform field E0 = E0 ẑ is approximated as being due to charges ±Q at z = ∓R. the field in the region of the sphere is homogeneous and equal to E = (2Q/R2 )ẑ. (87) 4π 4π (d) The force acting on the surface charge density σ is F = σEr (a)r̂/2 = Er2 (a)r̂/8π (where the latter form follows immediately from the Maxwell stress tensor). E0a3 cos θ φ = φ0 + φdipole = −E0r cos θ + .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. In the limit. the perturbation to the field due to the sphere is effectively that due to a dipole with the moment a2 a p=2 Q ẑ = a3 E0. θ) = −  = 3E0 cos θ. (84) R R (b) The potential outside the sphere is thus. we can make the potential on the sphere vanish by adding charge q  = −Qa/R at z = −a2/R and −q  at z = a2/R. According to the image method. the hemispheres repel each other. Thus. (88) 8π 0 16 Since the force on the hemisphere at z > 0 is positive. . (86) ∂r r=a and so Er (a. θ) 3E0 cos θ σ(θ) = = . Solution 10 26 10.

(97) π n odd n b .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. n = 1. 2   2   −nπa/b An = V2 − V1 e . y) = V2 = An enπa/b + Bn e−nπa/b sin . (96) π n odd nπ sinh b b b To verify that this solution satisfies the boundary conditions. we get for the potential:   4  sin nπy b nπx nπ(a − x) φ(x. (94) nπ ⎪ ⎩ 0. Solution 11 27 11. (93) 0 b nπ b  0 ⎪ nπ ⎩ 0. (92) n b A straigthforward approach to find An and Bn is to multiply (91) and (92) by sin(nπy/b) and integrate from y = 0 to b: ⎧  b b ⎪ nπy bV1 nπy  ⎨ bV1 2. ∇2 φ(x. . (95) nπ sinh nπa b nπ sinh nπa b Finally. which can be immediately restricted to the form: Y (y) = sin ky. (89) This also fixes the separation constants k. 2. ⎧ ⎪ ⎨ bV2 2. Bn = V1 e nπa/b − V2 . note that (91) and (93) combine to yield the expansion: 4  1 nπy 1= sin . where k = nπ/b. Since the boundary conditions include φ = 0 at y = 0 and b. n odd b φ(0. y) = Xn (x)Yn (y) = An enπx/b + Bn e−nπx/b sin . This leads to solutions of the form e±kx e±iky or e±ikx e±ky . n even 2 and similarly. . We seek solutions to Laplace’s equation in 2 dimensions. y) sin dy = − cos  = = (An + Bn ) . y) = V1 = (An + Bn ) sin . (90) n n b The boundary conditions at x = 0 and x = a are  nπy φ(0. n even 2 Thus. while for n odd. The general expression for the potential is now:    nπy φ(x. . . An = Bn = 0. for n even. y) = 0. y) = nπa V2 sinh + V1 sinh . it is advantageous to consider functions Y of the type e±iky . n odd b  = An enπa/b + Bn e−nπa/b . (91) n b   nπy φ(a. of the form φ = X(x)Y (y).

y) = φ(x. y) = φ(a − x. which could have been invoked as far back as (90) to show that only odd n contributes. φ(x. . Solution 11 28 We also note that the potential is symmetric about the midplanes. Remark: This problem could also usefully be solved as the superposition of two cases. The form of the solution (96) displays this superposition.Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. each with three walls at potential zero and the fourth at a nonzero value. b − y).

recalling the remark at the end of problem 9). Hence. Similarly to (93). z) = sin sin  2  2 .Princeton University 1998 Ph501 Set 2. Solution 12 29 12. multiply (102) by sin mπx a sin nπy b and integrate from 0 to a in x and from 0 to b in y. (102) m. z) = Amn sin sin sinh + z.  2  2 mπ nπ 16V  1 mπx 1 nπy sinh a + b z φ(x. we can make the further restriction: Zmn (z) = sinh kmn z. . (103) mπ nπ mnπ2 sinh a + b c for odd m and n. we could have used it to go from (102) to (103) without performing the integrations. b. (105) m mπ a n nπ b Since this follows from (97). Since φ = 0 at z = 0. a and y = 0.n odd m a n b mπ nπ sinh a + b c Note that we have demonstrated the expansion  4 mπx  4 nπy 1= sin sin for 0 < x < a. Since φ = 0 at x = 0. and 0 otherwise.n a b a b To find Amn . (100) a b The general solution satisfying all the boundary conditions except for the one at the face z = c is:    2  2 mπx nπy mπ nπ φ(x. y. (101) m. y. solutions φ = X(x)Y (y)Z(z) must have the form mπx nπy Xm (x) = sin . we find 16V Amn =  2  2 . (104) π2 m. (98) a b where n and m are positive integers (and odd.n a b a b The remaining boundary condition tells us that    2  2 mπx nπy mπ nπ V = Amn sin sin sinh + c. and Yn (y) = sin . The functions Z(z) then have the form e±kz . yield- ing     2 mπ 2 nπ 2 kmn = + . (99) where kmn is determined by inserting the trial solutions into Laplace’s equation. 0 < y < b.