Laplace in electromagnetics(voltages are different in conductor?)

In summary, the problem being discussed is about finding the potential inside and outside of a conductor sphere. The potential outside the sphere is given by V -> -Ez + C, while inside the sphere it takes a different form and is constant at all points. This is due to the sphere being uncharged and having finite conductivity. The problem can be solved using Legendre polynomials, but it can also be simplified by considering an alternate problem with a dipole at the origin. Overall, the potential inside the sphere is zero and it does not vary within the sphere.
  • #1
baby_1
159
15
Hello
as you see this example and solution
7236109700_1397288252.jpg

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if we assume the R of conductor sphere is 5m and check voltage in different z we obtain(for example z=1m and z=2)
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and as we know in conductor we doesn't have voltage differences so this equation should be the same
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C=0
but voltage aren't the same
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why in the conductor sphere voltages aren't the same? or i do mistake to understand this example
 
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  • #2
I think you're misunderstanding the example. The form of V -> -Ez + C only applies outside the sphere. The potential inside the sphere takes a different form. Since the sphere is uncharged, you can work out the potential inside it very simply - like you say, the potential should be the same at all points inside the sphere. And since it has been set to 0 at the boundary in the problem, this means that it has to be 0 everywhere inside the sphere.
 
  • #3
This problem belongs in the Advanced Physics forum IMO.

The solution to Laplace's equation del2V = 0 for this case (azimuthal symmetry) involves Legendre polynomials.

You can obtain a closed-form expression for the potential everywhere outside the sphere including just outside its surface with the given boundary conditions and using just the 1st order polynomial in spherical coordinate θ.

As naz93 said, the potential inside the sphere is everywhere the same (call it zero). This is a very elementary fact of electrostatics. Any body with finite conductivity will have zero E field inside it, thus the potential does not vary inside of it.
 
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  • #4
The problem can be solved without full Legendre polynomials. As a hint, consider an alternate problem of the same uniform electric background field but with a lone +Z dipole at the origin. Find the potential everywhere in space. Is there some dipole magnitude such that the net potential on the unit sphere is a constant? What does that tell you about your sphere problem?
 
  • #5
Fernbauer said:
The problem can be solved without full Legendre polynomials. As a hint, consider an alternate problem of the same uniform electric background field but with a lone +Z dipole at the origin. Find the potential everywhere in space. Is there some dipole magnitude such that the net potential on the unit sphere is a constant? What does that tell you about your sphere problem?

Dipole? Quadrupole I can see.
 

FAQ: Laplace in electromagnetics(voltages are different in conductor?)

What is Laplace's equation in electromagnetics?

Laplace's equation in electromagnetics is a partial differential equation that describes the relationship between the electric potential and current density in a conductor. It is named after the French mathematician and physicist Pierre-Simon Laplace.

How is Laplace's equation used in electromagnetics?

Laplace's equation is used to determine the electric potential and current density in a conductor, which can then be used to calculate the electric field and other electromagnetic properties. It is also used in the solution of boundary value problems in electromagnetics.

What is the significance of different voltages in a conductor?

Different voltages in a conductor can indicate the presence of a potential difference, which is the driving force for the flow of electric current. This can be caused by the presence of a battery or power source, or by varying the distance between two conductors.

How does Laplace's equation account for different voltages in a conductor?

Laplace's equation takes into account the relationship between the electric potential and current density, which governs the behavior of electric fields and voltages in a conductor. It describes how the electric potential changes over time and space, and how this affects the flow of electric current.

Can Laplace's equation be applied to other areas of science?

Yes, Laplace's equation has applications in many other areas of science, such as fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and quantum mechanics. It is a fundamental equation that can be used to describe a wide range of physical phenomena.

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