I Confusion over applying the 1st uniqueness theorem to charged regions

AI Thread Summary
The first uniqueness theorem does not apply in regions with charge density, as Poisson's equation replaces Laplace's equation, which affects the implications of local extrema. For example, a charged metal sphere creates a local maximum in potential, contradicting the 'no local extrema' principle of Laplace's equation. The first uniqueness theorem pertains to boundary conditions and charge distribution, while the second uniqueness theorem focuses on the total charge of conductors. Despite these differences, a specific charge distribution and boundary conditions still yield a unique potential distribution. The Dirichlet boundary value problem for the Poisson equation maintains a unique solution.
phantomvommand
Messages
287
Reaction score
39
1. For regions that contain charge density, does the 1st uniqueness theorem still apply?

2. For regions that contain charge density, does the 'no local extrema' implication of Laplace's equation still apply? I think not, since the relevant equation now is Poisson's equation. Furthermore, considering a charged metal sphere and a spherical boundary surface surrounding it, there is a local maxima at the sphere. Nonetheless, the result that "given a specific charge distribution and specific boundary conditions, there is a specific potential distribution" still holds.

3. What is the main difference between the 1st uniqueness theorem and the 2nd uniqueness theorem? Is it that the 1st uniqueness theorem relates to boundary and charge distribution, while the 2nd uniqueness theorem deals with total charge on conductors?

Thanks for all the help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I know nothing about charges but try to answer:)
If ##\Delta u\ge 0## in a domain ##D\subset\mathbb{R}^m## then
$$\sup_{x\in D} u(x)=\sup_{x\in\partial D}u(x)$$
And yes, Dirichlet boundary value problem for the Poisson equation has a unique solution
This is informal for details see textbooks in PDE
 
Thread 'Gauss' law seems to imply instantaneous electric field propagation'
Imagine a charged sphere at the origin connected through an open switch to a vertical grounded wire. We wish to find an expression for the horizontal component of the electric field at a distance ##\mathbf{r}## from the sphere as it discharges. By using the Lorenz gauge condition: $$\nabla \cdot \mathbf{A} + \frac{1}{c^2}\frac{\partial \phi}{\partial t}=0\tag{1}$$ we find the following retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations If we assume that...
Thread 'Griffith, Electrodynamics, 4th Edition, Example 4.8. (First part)'
I am reading the Griffith, Electrodynamics book, 4th edition, Example 4.8 and stuck at some statements. It's little bit confused. > Example 4.8. Suppose the entire region below the plane ##z=0## in Fig. 4.28 is filled with uniform linear dielectric material of susceptibility ##\chi_e##. Calculate the force on a point charge ##q## situated a distance ##d## above the origin. Solution : The surface bound charge on the ##xy## plane is of opposite sign to ##q##, so the force will be...
Dear all, in an encounter of an infamous claim by Gerlich and Tscheuschner that the Greenhouse effect is inconsistent with the 2nd law of thermodynamics I came to a simple thought experiment which I wanted to share with you to check my understanding and brush up my knowledge. The thought experiment I tried to calculate through is as follows. I have a sphere (1) with radius ##r##, acting like a black body at a temperature of exactly ##T_1 = 500 K##. With Stefan-Boltzmann you can calculate...
Back
Top