GRIFFITHS ELECTRODYNAMICS SOLUTIONS
KALMAN KNIZHNIK
Problem 2.1
a) Twelve equal charges, q are situated at the corners of a regular 12-sided polygon
(for instance, one on each numeral of a clock face.) What is the net force on a test
charge Q at the center?
The force on Q must be 0 by symmetry. The x, y, and z components of the fields due to each
charge cancel, so the force vanishes.
b) Suppose one of the 12 q’s is removed (the one at ”6 o’clock”). What is the force
on Q? Explain your reasoning carefully.
Now it is like 10 of the charges cancel, the only one that doesn’t cancel being the one directly
opposite the missing charge. Thus, the force is
F =
1 qQ
2
4π0 r2
(1)
pointing in the direction of the missing charge. Here, r is the distance from the center to each
charge.
c) Now 13 equal charges, q, are placed at the corners of a regular 13-sided polygon.
What is the force on a test charge Q at the center.
Again, by symmetry, the answer is still 0.
d) If one of the 13 q’s is removed, what is the force on Q? Explain your reasoning.
The same answer as in part b, equation 1, and for the same reason.
Problem 2.2
a) Find the electric field (magnitude and direction) a distance z above the midpoint
between two equal charges, q, a distance d apart. Check that your result is consistent
with what you’d expect when z d.
The force would not have components in the y or x direction, if we put the charges in the x − z
plane, there is no y-component of the field at the point in question, and the x-components cancel.
The z-component of the field is
E=
1
2q
1
2qz
sin(θ)ẑ =
ẑ 2
2
2
2
4π0 z + (d/2)
4π0 (z + (d/2)2 )3/2
(2)
where the factor of 2 comes from adding up the two charges. When z d, the electric field becomes
E=
1 2q
ẑ
4π0 z 2
(3)
which is what you would expect, since the system acts like a point charge of charge 2q.
b) Repeat part (a), only this time make the right hand charge −q instead of +q.
Now the z-components cancel and the x-components don’t. Mathematically, this means replacing
sin(θ) with cos(θ).
E=
1
2q
1
qd
cos(θ)ẑ =
x̂ 2
4π0 z 2 + (d/2)2
4π0 (z 2 + (d/2)2 )3/2
(4)
where the 2 has canceled out with the d/2 that comes from the cosine. If z d, then from far
away it looks like a dipole, and the field reduces to that of a dipole:
E=
1 qd
x̂
4π0 z 3
(5)
Problem 2.3
Find the electric field a distance z above one end of a straight line segment of length
L, which carries a uniform line charge λ. Check that your formula is consistent with
what you would expect for the case z L.
The electric field is
Z L
Z L
1
dq
dq
1
E=
cos(θ)x̂
+
sin(θ)ẑ
(6)
2
4π0 0 r
4π0 0 r2
√
√
replacing dq by λdx, r2 by x2 + z 2 , cos(θ) by x/ x2 + z 2 , and sin(θ) by z/ x2 + z 2 , we get
1
E=
λ
4π0
Z L
0
xdx
1
x̂ +
λ
4π0
(x2 + z 2 )3/2
Z L
0
zdx
ẑ
(x2 + z 2 )3/2
(7)
The first integral is a u-substitution, while the second can be evaluated using your favorite computer
program.
1
−1
1
L
E=
λ{(
+√
)x̂ + √
ẑ} 2
(8)
2
2
4π0
z
L +z
z L2 + z 2
In the limit z L, we obtain
1 λL
E=
ẑ
(9)
4π0 z 2
which is what you would expect from a point charge q = λL.
Problem 2.5
Find the electric field a distance z above the center of a circular loop of radius r, which
carries a uniform line charge λ.
Z
E=
1 dq
4π0 R2
(10)
√
Now, dq = λdl, where dl = rdθ, while R = r2 + z 2 is the distance from the edge of the loop
to the point z. Furthermore, clearly the horizontal components will cancel out, leaving
only a ẑ
√
component of the electric field, meaning we need to include a factor of cos(θ) = z/ r2 + z 2 . Thus,
Z L
E=
0
λ
dl
cos(θ)ẑ =
2
4π0 (r + z 2 )
Z 2π
0
1
zrdθ
ẑ
λ 2
4π0 (r + z 2 )3/2
(11)
meaning the answer is
E=
20
λrz
ẑ 2
+ z 2 )3/2
(r2
(12)
Problem 2.6
Find the electric field a distance z above the center of a flat circular dis ok radius R,
which carries a uniform surface charge σ. What does your formula give in the limit
R → ∞? Also, check the case z R.
The method is the same as in problem 2.5, except that now dq = σda = σrdrdθ. Thus, the integral
is
R
Z 2π Z R
rzdrdθ
−1
1
σ
zσ
zσ 1
E=
ẑ =
ẑ =
( −√
)ẑ 2
(13)
3/2
1/2
2
2
2
2
2
4π0 0
20 (r + z )
20 z
R + z2
0 (r + z )
0
In the limit R → ∞, we recover the field due to an infinite conducting plane, Ez = σ/20 , while in
the limit that z R, by Taylor expanding the square root, we recover the field between two point
charges: E = Q/4π0 z 2 , where Q = πR2 σ.
Problem 2.9
Suppose the electric field in some region is found to be E = kr3 r̂, in spherical coordinates (k is some constant).
a) Find the charge density ρ.
This part is simple.
ρ = 0 ∇ · E = 0
1 ∂(r2 Er )
1 ∂(r5 )
= 0 k 2
= 50 kr2
2
r
∂r
r ∂r
(14)
b) Find the total charge contained in a sphere of radius R, centered at the origin. (Do
it in two different ways).
Method 1:
Z R
Z π
Z
Z 2π
50 kr2 r2 dr = 4π0 kR5 2
(15)
dθ
dφ
Qenc =
ρdV =
0
V
I
Qenc = 0
0
0
E · ds = 0 kR3 4πR2 = 4π0 kR5 2
(16)
Problem 2.10
A charge q sits at the back corner of a cube. What is the flux of E through one side?
We need to surround the charge symmetrically, since otherwise it is unclear what fraction of the
flux is going through each face. Naively, you might think that the flux through one face is 1/6 of
the total flux, but this is an assumption that we cannot justify. For instance, no flux goes through
the three faces adjacent to the charge, since they are parallel to the electric field. However, if
make a larger cube, one centered on the charge, we can determine the flux through each face by
symmetry. If we center the cube on the charge, then we are effectively adding 7 cubes of the same
dimensions as the original cube, yielding 8 total cubes. Now, the charge is centered in the cube,
with the original face that we were examining being 1/4 of one face of this cube. Since the cube
has six sides, the original face composes 1/24 of the cube. The flux is thus q/240 . 2
Problem 2.21
Find the potential inside and outside a uniformly charged solid sphere whose radius
is R and whose total charge is q. Use infinity as your reference point. Compute the
gradient of V in each region, and check that it yields the correct result.
Inside the sphere, the electric field
Z
E · da =
1
0
Z
ρdV
⇒
E4πr2 =
3q
4π0 R3
Z
dV =
3q 4πr3
4π0 R3 3
⇒
E=
qr
r̂
4π0 R3
(17)
whereas outside the electric field is just
E=
Thus,
Z ∞
1
E · dl =
4π0
Z ∞
q
qr
1
r̂ · drr̂ +
3
4π0 R
4π0
Z ∞
q
Vout =
r
Z ∞
Vin =
r
E · dl =
Z R
r
q
r̂
4π0 r2
r
R
r02
r
(18)
r̂ · dr0 r̂ =
r̂ · drr̂ =
2
1 q
2
4π0 r
q
qr2
1 q
−
+
3
8π0 R 8π0 R
4π0 R
(19)
(20)
this can be rewritten as
Vin =
3q
qr2
q
r2
−
=
(3
−
) 2
8π0 R 8π0 R3
8π0 R
R2
(21)
Taking the gradient of equations 19 and 21 trivially yields in equation 18 and 17, respectively.
Problem 2.22
Find the potential a distance s from an infinitely long straight wire that carries a
uniform line charge λ. Compute the gradient of your potential, and check that it
yields the correct field.
Let’s calculate the electric field for this wire:
Z
E · da = E2πsL =
q
λL
=
0
0
⇒
E=
λ
ŝ
2πs0
(22)
Now we integrate this over the path ds ŝ to find the potential. We don’t integrate from s to ∞,
since the integral will blow up. Instead we integrate from s to some point a.
Z a
V =
E · dl =
Z a
s
s
λ
λ
a
ds =
ln
2
2πs0
2π0 s
(23)
Taking the gradient of -V trivially reproduces equation 22.
Problem 2.31
a) Three charges are situated at the corners of a square (side a), as shown in Fig. 2.41.
How much work does it take to bring in another charge +q, from far away and place
it in the fourth corner?
The potential at the corner is
V = V1 + V2 + V3 =
1 −q
1
q
1 q
1
1 −q
√ =
+
+
(−2 + √ )
4π0 a
4π0 a
4π0 a 2
4π0 a
2
(24)
So then the work W = qV is, since the potential is zero at infinity,
W =
1 q2
1
(−2 + √ ) 2
4π0 a
2
(25)
b) How much work does it take to assemble the whole configuration of four charges?
It takes no work to bring in the first charge. The second charge requires (supposing it is the negative
charge) work W = −qV = −q 2 /4π0 a, since, once again, the potential is zero at infinity. The third
charge requires
1 q(−q)
1 −q(−q)
q2
1
√
W =
+
=
( √ − 1)
(26)
4π0 a
4π0 a 2
4π0 a 2
and we have already calculated the work required for the fourth charge. Therefore, the work for
the total configuration is:
W =0+
1 −q 2
q2
1
1 q2
1
q2
q2
+
( √ − 1) +
(−2 + √ ) = √
−
2
4π0 a
4π0 a 2
4π0 a
2
2 2π0 a π0 a
(27)
Problem 2.35
A metal sphere of radius R, carrying charge q, is surrounded by a thick concentric
metal shell (inner radius a, outer radius b, as in Fig. 2.48). The shell carries no net
charge.
a) Find the surface charge density σ at R, at a, and at b.
All the charge has gone to the outer radius of the metal sphere, since it is a conductor, so at R,
the surface charge density is σR = q/A = q/4πR2 . At a, there will be induced a charge -q, so the
surface density is σa = −q/4πa2 . In order to keep the shell neutral, the remaining charge +q will
go to the outer edge of the shell, causing a surface charge density σb = q/4πb2 . 2
b) Find the potential
at the center, using infinity as the reference point.
R∞
We’ll use V = 0 E · dl.
Z ∞
V =
0
E · dl =
Z R
Z a
(0)dr +
0
R
1 q
dr +
4π0 r2
Z ∞
Z b
(0)dr +
a
b
1 q
dr
4π0 r2
(28)
where the (0) corresponds to regions of E = 0. Thus,
V =
q 1
1
1
( + − ) 2
4π0 b R a
(29)
c) Now the outer surface is touched to a grounding wire, which lowers its potential to
zero (same as at infinity). How do your answers to (a) and (b) change?
If the outer surface is grounded, the charge on the outer surface will go to ground, since it will go
from a region of high potential to region of low potential. Thus, σb = 0. As a result, the potential
at the center will have no contribution from the outer part of the shell.
Z ∞
V =
0
E · dl =
Z a
Z R
(0)dr +
0
R
1 q
dr +
4π0 r2
Z ∞
Z b
(0)dr =
(0)dr +
a
b
q
1
1
( − ) 2
4π0 R a
(30)
Problem 2.36
Two spherical cavities, of radii a and b, are hollowed out from the interior of a (neutral)
conducting sphere of radius R (Fig. 2.49). At the center of each cavity a point charge
is placed – call these charges qa and qb .
a) Find the surface charges σa , σb , and σR .
The charge at the middle of each cavity will induce an equal and opposite charge density on the
cavity surface. Let the radii of the cavities be a and b, respectively. Then
σa = −qa /4πa2 ,
σb = −qb /4πb2
(31)
Now, since the sphere is overall neutral, the remaining charge must be on the outer surface R.
Therefore,
σR = (qa + qb )/4πR2
(32)
b) What is the field outside the conductor?
The field outside a conductor is always E = σ/0 n̂. Therefore, outside of R:
E=
qa + qb
r̂
4π0 R2
(33)
R
Note that this is consistent with Gauss’s Law: E · da = Qenc /0 .
c) What is the field within each cavity?
Once again, by Gauss’s law (or due to the boundary conditions, whichever you prefer),
Ea =
1 qa
r̂a ∀ r < a
4π0 r2
(34)
Eb =
1 qb
r̂b ∀ r < b
4π0 r2
(35)
and
Note that these unit vectors are, in general, different from each other and the unit vector r̂ in
equation 33.
d) What is the force on qa and qb ?
The electric field is due to the charges themselves, and the field due to charge a does not influence
charge b, and vice versa. Therefore the force on each charge is 0. 2
e) Which of these answers would change if a third charge, qc , were brought near the
conductor?
σR would be different, since the new charge would induce some more charge on the outer surface.
Furthermore, it would affect ER , since the new charge contributes its own electric field. Note that
it would be difficult to apply Gauss’s law here, since we don’t have the required symmetry.
Problem 3.18
The potential at the surface of a sphere (radius R) is given by V0 = kcos3θ, where k
is a constant. Find the potential inside and outside the sphere, as well as the surface
charge density σ(θ) on the sphere. (Assume there’s no charge inside or outside the
sphere.)
This potential can be decomposed into a linear combination of Legendre polynomials:
V0 = kcos3θ = k[4cos3 θ − 3cosθ] = k[xP3 (cosθ) + yP1 (cosθ)]
(36)
I can tell immediately that it is some combination of P3 and P1 since the function is odd. So now
I have the equality (if I replace P3 and P1 with the explicit forms of the polynomials):
4cos3 θ − 3cosθ = x
5cos3 θ − 3cosθ
5x 3
2y − 3x
+ ycos(θ) =
cos θ +
cosθ
2
2
2
(37)
and therefore we have
5x
2y − 3x
=4
= −3
2
2
⇒
8
x= ,
5
y=
−3
5
(38)
So our potential, written in terms of the Legendre polynomials, is
V0 =
k
[8P3 (cosθ) − 3P1 (cosθ)]
5
(39)
Now the general solution to Laplace’s equation (in spherical coordinates) is
V (r, θ) =
∞
X
Al rl Pl (cosθ) +
l=0
Bl
Pl (cosθ)
rl+1
(40)
Inside the sphere, the Bl ’s must be 0, or we will have problems at the origin, while outside the
sphere, the Al ’s must be 0, since otherwise we will have problems at infinity:
Vin =
∞
X
Al rl Pl (cosθ),
Vout =
l=0
∞
X
Bl
l=0
rl+1
Pl (cosθ)
(41)
Clearly the only l’s that contribute are l = 1 and l = 3:
Vin =
∞
X
l=0
Al rl Pl (cosθ) =
k
[8P3 (cosθ) − 3P1 (cosθ)]
5
⇒
A0 = 0, A2 = 0, Al = 0 ∀ l > 3
(42)
and so, at the surface of the sphere,
Vin =
k
−3k
8k
[8P3 (cosθ) − 3P1 (cosθ)] = A1 RP1 (cosθ) + A3 R3 P3 (cosθ) ⇒ A1 =
, A3 =
(43)
5
5R
5R3
while equating this with outside the surface yields (Bl6=1,3 = 0):
Vout =
k
B1
B3
−3kR2
8kR4
[8P3 (cosθ) − 3P1 (cosθ)] = 2 P1 (cosθ) + 4 P3 (cosθ) ⇒ B1 =
, B3 =
(44)
5
R
R
5
5
Thus, outside, we have, (plugging our A1 , A3 , B1 , B3 into the general solution, equation 40):
Vin =
−3k
8k 3
rP1 (cosθ) +
r P3 (cosθ) 2
5R
5R3
(45)
−3kR2 1
8kR4 1
P
(cosθ)
+
P3 (cosθ) 2
(46)
1
5 r2
5 r4
To obtain σ, we use the fact that the discontinuity in the electric field at the boundary is equal to
the surface charge density:
Vout =
σ
∂V ∂V ∂Vin ∂Vout = −(
−
)=
−
0
∂n out ∂n in
∂r R
∂R R
(47)
Cranking out the derivatives:
∂Vin
−3k
24kr2
= −3k P1 (cosθ) + 24k P3 (cosθ)
P
(cosθ)
=
P1 (cosθ) +
3
∂r
5R
5R3
5R
5R
R
(48)
6k
∂Vout
32kR4
6kR2
32k
P
(cosθ)
−
P3 (cosθ) =
=
P1 (cosθ) −
P3 (cosθ)
1
3
5
∂r
5r
5r
5R
5R
R
(49)
Subtracting one from the other yields:
σ = 0
56k
−9k
P1 (cosθ) + 0
P3 (cosθ) 2
5R
5R
(50)
Problem 3.25
Charge density σ(φ) = asin5φ (where a is a constant) is glued over the surface of an
infinite cylinder of radius R. Find the potential inside and outside the cylinder. Use
the general solution to Laplace’s equation with cylindrical symmetry:
V (s, φ) = a0 + b0 ln(s) +
∞
X
[sk (ak cos(kφ) + bk sin(kφ)) + s−k (ck cos(kφ) + dk sin(kφ)]
(51)
k=1
Inside the cylinder, we must have b0 = ck = dk = 0, since otherwise the potential blows up at s = 0.
Outside we require b0 = ak = bk = 0, since otherwise the potential blows up at infinity. So,
Vin (s, φ) = a0 +
∞
X
sk (ak cos(kφ) + bk sin(kφ))
(52)
s−k (ck cos(kφ) + dk sin(kφ))
(53)
k=1
Vout (s, φ) = A0 +
∞
X
k=1
Using the definition
σ
∂V ∂V ∂Vin ∂Vout −
)=
−
= −(
0
∂n out ∂n in
∂s
∂s s=R
(54)
where σ is given by σ(φ) = asin5φ. Taking the derivatives of equations 52 and 53 and subtracting
yields
∞
asin5φ X
=
kRk−1 (ak cos(kφ) + bk sin(kφ)) + kR−k−1 (ck cos(kφ) + dk sin(kφ))
0
k=1
(55)
Clearly, ak = ck = 0, unless k = 5 to match the left hand side.
asin5φ
= 5R4 b5 sin(5φ) + 5R−6 d5 sin(5φ)
0
(56)
In order to calculate b5 and d5 , we need a second equation. The second equation is the continuity
of the potential inside and outside the cylinder Vin |R = Vout |R :
a0 + R5 b5 sin(5φ) = A0 + R−5 d5 sin(5φ)
⇒
a0 = A0 ,
b5 =
d5
R10
(57)
We can choose a0 = A0 = 0, and plugging this into equation 56 to solve for d5
asin5φ
d5
d5
= 5R4 10 sin(5φ) + 5 6 sin(5φ)
0
R
R
⇒
d5 =
aR6
100
⇒
b5 =
a
10R4 0
(58)
Now we have everything we need to plug in to the potentials inside (equation 52) and outside
(equation 53). If we note that all the coefficients vanish except b5 and d5 :
Vin = s5
a
sin(5φ) 2
10R4 0
(59)
Vout = s−5
aR6
sin(5φ) 2
100
(60)
Problem 3.26
A sphere of radius R, centered at the origin, carries charge density
ρ(r, θ) = k
R
(R − 2r)sin(θ)
r2
(61)
where k is a constant, and r, θ are the usual spherical coordinates. Find the approximate potential for points on the z axis, far from the sphere.
For reference, the exact form of the multipole expansion potential is
V (r) =
Z
∞
1 X
1
rn Pn (cosθ)ρ(r)dV
4π0 n=0 rn+1
(62)
The monopole term in the potential is
Vmon (r) =
1 Q
4π0 r
(63)
We need to find Q.
Z πZ R
Z
Q=
k
ρdV = 2π
0
0
R
(R − 2r)sin(θ)r2 sin(θ)drdθ = kπ 2
r2
Z R
(R2 − 2r)dr = 0
(64)
0
Thus the total charge on the sphere is 0, so there is no monopole term, Vmon = 0.
The dipole term is
Vdip (r) =
1 1
4π0 r2
Z
rcos(θ)ρdV =
1 2π
4π0 r2
Z πZ R
rcos(θ)k
0
0
R
(R − 2r)sin(θ)r2 sin(θ)drdθ
r2
(65)
and we can see immediately that the θ integral vanishes, so the dipole term is also zero, Vdip = 0.
The quadruple term won’t be zero:
1 1
4π0 r3
3cos2 θ − 1
2πkR
ρdV =
2
8π0 r3
Z πZ R
1
(R − 2r)sin(θ)r2 drdθ
r2
0
0
(66)
This is not a difficult integral, and it equals kπ 2 R5 /48. Thus, the potential at a point on the z-axis
is
1 kπ 2 R5
V (z) =
2
(67)
4π0 48z 3
where I have let the original r → z.
Vquad =
Z
r2
r2 (3cos2 θ − 1)
Problem 3.27
Four particles are placed as follows: charge q at (0, 0, −a), charges −2q at (0, a, 0) and
(0, −a, 0), and charge 3q at (0, 0, a). Find a simple approximate formula for the potential
valid at points far from the origin. Express your answer in spherical coordinates.
To first order, (the monopole term) the potential vanishes, since the total charge is zero. Let’s
examine the dipole term:
1 p · r̂
Vdip =
(68)
4π0 r2
P
But p = qi di , so the dipole moment is
p = (3q)(a)ẑ + (q)(−a)ẑ + (−2q)(−a)ŷ + (−2q)(a)ŷ + 0x̂ = 2qaẑ
(69)
So the dipole potential is
Vdip =
1 2qaẑ · r̂
1 2qacosθ
=
2
2
4π0 r
4π0
r2
(70)
Problem 3.30
Two point charges, 3q and −q, are separated by a distance a. For each of the arrangements below, find (i) the monopole moment, (ii) the dipole moment, and (iii) the approximate potential (in spherical coordinates) at large r (include both the monopole
and dipole contributions).
a) 3q at (0, 0, a), −q at origin.
P
The monopole moment is just the charge, Q = 3q + (−q) = 2q. The dipole moment is p = qi di
p = (−q)(0) + (3q)(a)ẑ = 3qaẑ 2
(71)
The approximate potential is the sum of the monopole and dipole terms:
V =
1 Q p · r̂
1 2q 3qacosθ
( + 2 )=
( +
) 2
4π0 r
r
4π0 r
r2
(72)
where I have replaced ẑ · r̂ with cosθ.
b) 3q at origin, −q at (0, 0, −a).
The monopole moment is that total charge, which is again 2q. The dipole moment is
p = (3q)(0) + (−q)(−a)ẑ = qaẑ 2
(73)
The approximate potential is
V =
1 Q p · r̂
1 2q qacosθ
( + 2 )=
( +
) 2
4π0 r
r
4π0 r
r2
(74)
c) 3q at (0, a, 0), −q at origin.
The monopole moment is the total charge 2q, the dipole moment is
p = (3q)(a) + (−q)(0)ŷ = 3qaŷ 2
(75)
meaning that the potent is
V =
1 Q p · r̂
1 2q 3qasinθsinφ
( + 2 )=
( +
) 2
4π0 r
r
4π0 r
r2
(76)
since ŷ · r̂ = sinθsinφ.
Problem 3.31
A ”pure” dipole p is situated at the origin, pointing in the z direction.
a) What is the force on a point charge q at (a, 0, 0) (Cartesian coordinates)?
The potential on the x-axis due to a dipole is
V =
1 pcosθ
1 p · r̂
=
2
4π0 r
4π0 r2
(77)
So the force is
∂V
q ∂V
q 2pcosθ
1 qpsinθ pq
F = −q∇V = −q
r̂ −
θ̂ =
r̂ +
θ̂
=−
ẑ
3
3
∂r
r ∂θ
4π0 r
4π0 r
4π0 a3
r=a,θ=π/2
(78)
since for θ = π/2, the unit vector θ̂ is in the -z direction. By the way, θ = π/2 since the point we
are looking at is on the x axis, while the dipole moment is in the z direction.
b) What is the force on q at (0, 0, a)?
This time, θ = 0, so
pq
F=
ẑ
(79)
2π0 a3
Since the sinθ kills the second term in equation 78 above, and the r̂ direction is in ẑ.
c) How much work does it take to move q from (a, 0, 0) to (0, 0, a)?
This is just the difference between the answers to parts a and b, multiplied by q, since W = qV .
Thus,
pq
(80)
W =
4π0 a2
Problem 3.32
Three point charges are located as shown in Fig. 3.38, each a distance a from the
origin. Find the approximate electric field at points far from the origin. Express your
answer in spherical coordinates, and include the two lowest orders in the multipole
expansion.
The first order term in the potential is V = −q/4π0 r2 , since the net charge is -q. The dipole term
is
Z
Z
1
p · r̂
1
p · r̂
V =
=
(81)
2
4π0
r
4π0
r2
where the dipole moment is
Z
p=
Z
−qδ(y + a) + qδ(z − a) − qδ(y − a)(xx̂ + yŷ + zẑ)dxdydz =
(82)
qδ(z − a)zdzẑ − q(δ(y − a) + δ(y + a))ydyŷ = qaẑ − qaŷ − q(−a)ŷ = qaẑ
(83)
ρ(r)rdV =
multiplying this out:
Z
p=
Thus, the dipole potential is
1
V =
4π0
qaẑ · r̂
1 qa
=
cosθ
2
r
4π0 r2
Z
(84)
Thus the total potential, monopole and dipole terms included, is:
V =−
1 qa
1 q
+
cosθ
2
4π0 r
4π0 r2
(85)
The electric field, therefore, is
E = −∇V =
q −1
a
[ 2 r̂ + 3 (2cosθr̂ + sinθθ̂)] 2
4π0 r
r
(86)
Problem 4.20
A sphere of linear dielectric material has embedded in it a uniform free charge density
ρ. Find the potential at the center of the sphere (relative to infinity), if its radius is
R and its dielectric constant is r .
We need to find the electric field everywhere first. Inside the sphere,
Z
D · da = D4πr2 = Qf =
Z
4
ρdV = ρ πr3
3
⇒
1
Din = ρrr̂
3
(87)
while outside the sphere,
Z
D · da = D4πr2 = Qf =
Z
4
ρdV = ρ πR3
3
⇒
Dout =
1
ρR3 r̂
3r2
(88)
Therefore, inside the sphere,
Ein =
D
D
ρr
=
=
r̂
0 r
30 r
(89)
D
D
ρR3
=
=
r̂
0
30 r2
(90)
Outside the sphere, the electric field is
Eout =
From which we can find the potential:
Z ∞
V =
E · dl =
Z R
Ein · dl +
Z ∞
Eout · dl =
0
R
0
0
=
Z R
ρr
30 r
dr +
Z ∞
ρR3
R
30 r2
ρR2
ρR2
ρR2
1
+
=
(1 +
) 2
60 r
30
30
2r
dr
(91)
(92)
Problem 4.23
Find the field inside a sphere of linear dielectric material in an otherwise uniform
electric field E0 by the following method of successive approximations: First pretend
the field inside is just E0 , and use Eq. 4.30 to write down the resulting polarization
P0 . This polarization generates a field of its own, E1 (Ex. 4.2), which in turn modifies
the polarization by an amount P1 , which further changes the field by an amount E2 ,
and so on. The resulting field is E0 + E1 + E2 + .... Sum the series, and compare your
answer with Eq. 4.49.
The polarization due to the field E0 is P0 = 0 χe E0 . The field resulting from this polarization is
given by equation 4.18: E = −P/30 . Thus,
E1 = −
P0
0 χe E0
χe E0
=−
=−
30
30
3
(93)
Now the polarization due to this field is P1 = 0 χe E1 , which results in the field E2 = −P1 /30 :
E2 = −
P1
0 χe E1
χe χe E0
χ2
=−
= − (−
) = e E0
30
30
3
3
9
(94)
Thus we obtain an infinite geometric series
∞
X
E0
χe n
) =
3
1 + χe /3
(95)
3
E0
=
E0 2
2/3 + r /3
r + 2
(96)
Etot = E0
(−
n=0
Using χe = r − 1, we obtain:
Etot =
Problem 4.26
A spherical conductor, of radius a, carries a charge Q. It is surrounded by a linear
dielectric material of susceptibility χe , out to radius b. Find the energy of this configuration.
We will use equation 4.58 in Griffiths:
W =
1
2
Z
D · Edτ
(97)
It is evident that for r < a, both D and E are 0. Outside the conductor, using the fact that
= 0 (1 + χe ):
Q
D=
r̂ r > a
(98)
4πr2
Q
E=
r̂ a < r < b
(99)
4πr2
Q
E=
r̂ r > b
(100)
4π0 r2
Thus, the energy is
W =
1
2
Z b
a
Q
1
Q
r̂ ·
r̂4πr2 dr +
2
2
4πr
4πr
2
Z ∞
b
Q
Q
r̂ ·
r̂4πr2 dr
2
4πr
4π0 r2
(101)
where the integral from 0 to a contributes no energy to the system. Thus,
W =
Q2
8π
Z b
dr
r2
a
+
Q2
8π0
Z ∞
dr
b
r2
=
Q2 1 1
Q2
( + )−
8π a b
8π0 b
(102)
Or, writing the answer in terms of the susceptibility,
W =
Q2
Q2
1 1
( + )−
2
8π0 (1 + χe ) a b
8π0 b
(103)
Problem 4.31
A dielectric cube of side a, centered at the origin, carries a ”frozen-in” polarization
P = kr, where k is a constant. Find all the bound charges, and check that they add
up to zero.
The polarization can be rewritten in Cartesian coordinates,
P = k(xx̂ + yŷ + zẑ)
(104)
We also know that −∇ · P = ρb and P · n̂ = σb . Let’s find the bound volume charge first:
ρb = −∇ · P = −k(1 + 1 + 1) = −3k
(105)
Meanwhile, the bound surface charge on one side is
σb = P · n̂ = k(xx̂ + yŷ + zẑ) · ẑ
=
z=a/2
ka
2
(106)
Thus, since there are six sides to a cube, the total bound surface charge is σb = 3ka. Now we need
to find the total charge:
Z
Qtot =
Z
ρb dV +
σb da = −3k(a3 ) + 3ka(a2 ) = 0 2
(107)
Problem 4.32
A point charge q is imbedded at the center of a sphere of linear dielectric material
(with susceptibility χe and radius R). Find the electric field, the polarization, and
the bound charge densities ρb and σb . What is the total bound charge on the surface?
Where is the compensating negative bound charge located?
The displacement field D is easily found to be D = q/4πr2 r̂. The electric field, written in terms of
the susceptibility, defined such that = 0 (1 + χe ), is
E=
q
r̂
4π0 (1 + χe )r2
(108)
χe q
r̂
4π(1 + χe )r2
(109)
The polarization is P = 0 χe E, so
P=
The bound volume charge is
ρb = −∇ · P = −
χe q
r̂
χe q
∇· 2 =−
δ 3 (r)
4π(1 + χe )
r
(1 + χe )
(110)
where I have used the fact that ∇ · (r̂/r2 ) = 4πδ 3 (r). Meanwhile the bound surface charge is
σb = P · n̂ =
R
χe q
4π(1 + χe )R2
(111)
Thus the total bound charge on the surface is
Z
Qsurf ace =
σb da =
χe q
χe
4πR2 =
q
2
4π(1 + χe )R
1 + χe
(112)
The compensating negative charge is located at the origin (in the ρb term):
Z
Qcomp =
ρb dV = −
χe q
(1 + χe )
Z
δ 3 (r) = −
χe q
(1 + χe )
(113)
which exactly cancels the surface charge in equation 112.
Problem 5.4
Suppose that the magnetic field in some region has the form B = kzx̂. (where k is a
constant). Find the force on a square loop (side a), lying in the yz plane and centered
at the origin, if it carries a current I, flowing counterclockwise, when you look down
the x axis.
The force is F = Idl × B. The force on the two horizontal segments in ẑ will cancel out, since the
field flips sign.
Z
Z a
1
dzŷ × kzx̂ = Ika2 ẑ
F = I dl × B = I
(114)
2
0
But that was only for one edge of the loop. The force on both edges will conspire, so the total force
is
F = Ika2 ẑ 2
(115)
Problem 5.5
A current I flows down a wire of radius a.
a) If it is uniformly distributed over the surface, what is the surface current density
K?
R
K = dI/dl⊥ , so I = Kdl⊥ = K2πa, since the length perpendicular to the flow is the circumference
(not the surface area, which has a component parallel to the flow). Thus, K = I/2πa 2
b) If it is distributed in such a way that the volume current density is inversely
proportional to the distance from the axis, what is J?
We have that J ∝ 1/s, or more precisely J = α/s, with α some constant. Thus,
Z
I=
JdS = α
Z a
2πs
s
0
and therefore
J=
ds = 2πaα
⇒
α=
I
2πa
(116)
I
2
2πsa
(117)
Problem 5.9
Find the magnetic field at point P for each of the steady current configurations shown
in Fig. 5.23
We will try to use the Biot Savart law:
a)
B=
µ0
4π
Z
Idl × r̂
µ0 I
=
2
r
4π
Z π/2
adφφ̂ × r̂
a2
0
+
µ0 I
4π
Z 0
bdφφ̂ × r̂
π/2
b2
(118)
where I have used that dl = rdφφ̂, for r = a and r = b. There is clearly no contribution from the
straight sides, since here dl × r̂ = 0. Thus,
B=
µ0 I
π µ0 I
π
µ0 I 1 1
(ẑ) +
(ẑ)(− ) =
( − )ẑ 2
4πa
2
4πb
2
8 a b
(119)
b)
Here, the Biot Savart integral becomes (for the semicircular side):
µ0 I
B=
4π
Z π/2
Rdφ(−φ̂) × r̂
−π/2
R2
=−
µ0 I
ẑ
4R
(120)
For the two straight lines, the Biot Savart integral is awkward and difficult to compute, so we will
refer to Griffiths example 5, in which he states that the magnetic field between these two wires is
going to be B = µ0 I/2πs, so the total field at s = R is:
B = (−
µ0 I
µ0 I
+
)ẑ
4R
2πR
(121)
Problem 5.12
Suppose you have two infinite straight line charges λ, a distance d apart, moving
along at a constant speed v. How great would v have to be in order for the magnetic
attraction to balance the electric repulsion?
A line charge λ traveling at velocity v constitutes a current I = λv. The magnetic field at a distance
d due to the first (second) wire is
µ0
B=
I1 (I2 )
(122)
2πd
There is an attractive force between the wires, since the current is in the same direction. The
magnitude of the force is F = ILB, where L is the length of the wire. Now, the total force is
infinite, but the force per unit length is f = IB, so the force per unit length between these two
wires is, substituting I = λv,
µ0 I1 I2
µ 0 λ2 v 2
fB =
=
(123)
2πd
2πd
Meanwhile, we need to find the electric field due to a wire of charge density λ:
Z
E · dl = E2πd =
λL
0
⇒
E=
λL
,
2π0 d
(124)
meaning that the force per unit length between the wires is
fe =
λE
λ2
=
L
2π0 d
(125)
Thus the electric force per unit length fe ≡ Fe /L can be set equal to the magnetic force per unit
length:
s
λ2
1
µ 0 λ2 v 2
=
⇒ v=
=c 2
(126)
fB = fe ⇒
2πd
2π0 d
0 µ0
Thus you could never get the wires moving fast enough – the electric force will always dominate
over the magnetic force, and the wires will repel.
Problem 5.15
Two long coaxial solenoids each carry current I, but in opposite directions, as shown
in Fig. 5.42. The inner solenoid (radius a) has n1 turns per unit length, and the outer
one (radius b) has n2 . Find B in each of the three regions: (i) inside the inner solenoid,
(ii) between them, and (iii) outside both.
The field inside a solenoid is B = µ0 nI. Outside, the field is zero. Thus, in region (i), we have
contributions from both the larger and the smaller solenoid. The field in region (i) is
B(i) = µ0 n1 Iẑ + µ0 n2 I(−ẑ) = µ0 I(n1 − n2 )ẑ 2
(127)
where the minus sign comes from the fact that the current is being carried in the opposite direction
in the larger solenoid. In region (ii), the only contribution to the magnetic field is from the larger
solenoid. The region is outside the smaller solenoid, so the magnetic field due to the smaller one is
zero. Thus, the field in region (ii) is
B(ii) = µ0 n2 I(−ẑ) = −µ0 n2 Iẑ 2
(128)
Outside both solenoids, the field is zero. Thus, in region (iii),
B(iii) = 0 2
(129)
Problem 5.16
A large parallel-plate capacitor with uniform surface charge σ on the upper plate and
−σ on the lower is moving with a constant speed v, as shown in Fig. 5.43.
a) Find the magnetic field between the plates and also above and below them.
We consider each moving plate to be a surface current K, where K = σv. According to example
5.8, the magnetic field due to such a surface current is B = ±µ0 K/2, where the
+ is below the
R
plane and the − is above the plane. How is this derived? Well, use Ampere’s law: B · dl = 2BL =
µ0 Ienc = µ0 KL ⇒ B = µ0 K/2. Thus, above and below the capacitor, the field is zero, since the
surface current K is pointed in opposite direction due to the opposite charge on the plates. In
between the capacitor plates, the field adds:
Bbetween =
µ0
µ0
σv − (−σv) = µ0 σv (in) 2
2
2
(130)
b) Find the magnetic force per unit area on the upper plate, including its direction.
The force per unit area is f = K × B, so we obtain, for theupperplate
f = σv
µ0 σ 2 v 2
µ0
σv =
2
2
(131)
Doing the right hand rule will convince you that the force is up.
c) At what speed v would the magnetic force balance the electrical force?
The electric field of the bottom plate is E = σ/20 , so the force on the upper plate is F = σ 2 A/20 .
The force per unit area is, thus, f = σ 2 /20 . Equating this force with the force per unit area in
part (b) yields:
µ0 σ 2 v 2
σ2
1
=
⇒ v=√
2
(132)
2
20
µ0 0
So the plates would have to move at the speed of light. Thus, the forces would never balance.
Problem 5.22
Find the magnetic vector potential of a finite segment of a straight wire, carrying a
current I. [Put the wire on the z axis, from z1 to z2 , and use equation 5.64:
A=
µ0
4π
Z
Idl
|r − r0 |
(133)
Check that your answer is consistent with equation 5.35:
B=
µ0 I
(sinθ2 − sinθ1 )φ̂
4πs
(134)
√
The distance between the wire and any point s off the wire is z 2 + s2 , and, letting I = Iẑ, and
dl = dz,
q
Z
s2 + z22 + z2
µ 0 I z2
ẑdz
µ0 I
√
A=
=
ln q
ẑ 2
(135)
4π z1
4π
z 2 + s2
s2 + z12 + z1
To confirm whether this matches equation 5.35, we take the curl of A:
B=∇×A=−
∂Az
φ̂
∂s
(136)
If you take this derivative, you get
B = φ̂
µ0 I
z2
z2
−q 1
]
[q
4πs z 2 + s2
2 + s2
z
2
1
(137)
q
But recall that sinθj = zj / zj2 + s2 , so
B = φ̂
µ0 I
(sinθ2 − sinθ1 ) 2
4πs
(138)
Problem 6.1
Calculate the torque exerted on the square loop shown in Fig. 6.6, due to the circular
loop (assume r is much larger than a or b. If the square loop is free to rotate, what
will its equilibrium orientation be?
Torque is given by N = m × B. The dipole moment of the circular loop is m = Iπa2 ẑ. The
magnetic field due to the circular loop is given by everyone’s favorite formula for the magnetic field
due to a dipole:
µ0 Iπa2
µ0 1
[3(m
·
r̂)r̂
−
m]
=
−
ẑ
(139)
B=
4π r3
4π r3
since m · r̂ = 0. The m in the torque equation, however, refers to the dipole moment of the square
loop, which is m = Ib2 x̂. Thus,
N = −Ib2 x̂ ×
µ0 Iπa2
I 2 a2 b2 µ0
ẑ
=
−
ŷ
4π r3
4r3
(140)
The final orientation of the square loop will be when there is no torque on it. Since the magnetic
field is in the ẑ direction, the loop will rotate until it points in -ẑ. Why minus? Since the torque
is in -ŷ, the loop is spinning in the direction of negative z, so it will anti align with the other loop.
Problem 6.7
An infinitely long circular cylinder carries a uniform magnetization M parallel to its
axis. Find the magnetic field (due to M) inside and outside the cylinder.
If the magnetization is parallel to the axis then we can write M = M ẑ. Then,
Jb = ∇ × M = 0, Kb = M × n̂ = M ẑ × ŝ = M φ̂
(141)
So the cylinder acts like a solenoid, since it carries a surface current in the azimuthal direction.
When that happens, the magnetic field is B = µ0 nI, where n is the number of turns per unit length.
But n = N/L, and I = Kb L, thus the product nI = N Kb , and, since N = 1 for this cylinder,
B = µ0 Kb ẑ = µ0 M ẑ = µ0 M 2
(142)
Outside the cylinder, where the magnetization is zero, the field is also zero.
Problem 6.8
A long circular cylinder of radius R carries a magnetization M = ks2 φ̂, where k is a
constant, s is the distance from the axis, and φ̂ is the usual azimuthal unit vector (Fig.
6.13). Find the magnetic field due to M, for points inside and outside the cylinder.
The easiest way to do this is to calculate the bound currents:
1 ∂(sMφ )
Jb = ∇ × M =
ẑ = 3ksẑ, Kb = M × n̂ = −ks2 ẑ
= −kR2 ẑ
s ∂s
s=R
(143)
Now we can get the magnetic field inside the cylinder by using Ampere’s law. Since the surface
current is... on the surface, the only contribution to Ienc is from Jb :
Z
B · dl = B2πs = µ0 Ienc = µ0
Z s
Z
Jb da = µ0
0
3ksẑ · sdφẑ = 2πµ0 ks3
⇒
B = µ0 ks2 φ̂ (144)
or, in terms of the magnetization,
Bin = µ0 ks2 φ̂ = µ0 M 2
(145)
Inside the cylinder, the magnetic field is zero since the total current enclosed by an Amperian loop
is zero. Let’s check that:
Z
Ienc =
Z R
Z
Jb da +
Kb dl =
3ksẑ · sdφẑ − kR
2
Z
dl = 2πkR3 − kR2 2πR = 0
(146)
0
Problem 6.12
An infinitely long cylinder, of radius R, carries a frozen-in magnetization, parallel to
the axis, M = ksẑ, where k is constant and s is the distance from the axis; there is no
free current anywhere. Find the magnetic field inside and outside the cylinder by two
different methods:
a) As in Sect. 6.2, locate all the bound currents. and calculate the field they produce.
The bound volume current is Jb = ∇ × M and the bound surface current is Kb = M × n̂. Let’s
calculate these:
dMz
Jb = −
φ̂ = −k φ̂, Kb = M × ŝ
= kRφ̂
(147)
ds
s=R
Thus, the total current through a square Amperian loop of side length l, placed a distance R − s
into the cylinder is
Z
Ienc =
Z
Jb da +
Kb dl = −k(R − s)l + kR(l) = ksl
(148)
and therefore the magnetic field is
Z
B · dl = Bl = µ0 Ienc = µ0 ksl
⇒
Bin = µ0 ksẑ 2
(149)
It is in the ẑ direction, since the magnetization is in that direction and the surface and volume
currents are in the φ̂ directions. Meanwhile, outside, there is no current through the Amperian
loop outside, so Bout = 0.
b) Use Ampere’s law (in the form of Eq. 6.20) to find H, and the get B from Eq. 6.18.
(Notice that the second method is much faster, and avoids any explicit reference to
the bound currents.)
R
Ampere’s law is H · dl = If ree,enc . Since there is no free current anywhere, H = 0. Therefore,
since H = B/µ0 − M, we can immediately find the magnetic field. Outside, where M = 0, B = 0
also. Inside, B = µ0 M, so
B = µ0 ksẑ 2
(150)
Problem 6.16
A coaxial cable consists of two very long cylindrical tubes, separated by linear insulating material of magnetic susceptibility chim . A current I flows down the inner
conductor and returns along the outer one; in each case the current distributes itself
uniformly over the surface (Fig. 6.24). Find the magnetic field in the region between
the tubes. As a check, calculate the magnetization and the bound currents, and confirm that (together,
of course, with the free currents) they generate the correct field.
R
Using Ampere’s law: H · dl = If ree ⇒ H = If ree/2πs. Therefore, since B = µH = µ0 (1 + χm )H,
we obtain
I
φ̂
(151)
B = µ0 (1 + χm )
2πs
Magnetization is given by M = χm H, so
M=
Iχm
φ̂
2πs
(152)
Therefore,
1 ∂(sMφ )
ẑ = 0
s ∂s
Iχm
Iχm
=
=
φ̂ × ŝ
ẑ
2πs
2πa
s=a
J=∇×M=
(153)
(154)
Ka = M × n̂
and
s=a
Ka = M × n̂
Iχm
Iχm
=−
φ̂ × ŝ
ẑ
2πs
2πb
s=b
=
s=b
(155)
Thus, the total current is
Z
Z
Itot = I +
Kdl = I +
Iχm
Iχm
ẑ · dlẑ = I +
2πa = I(1 + χm )
2πa
2πa
(156)
Thus,
Z
B · dl = µ0 Ienc
⇒
B2πs = µ0 I(1 + χm )
⇒
B=
µ0 I(1 + χm )
φ̂ 2
2πs
(157)
Problem 6.17
A current I flows down a long straight wire of radius a. If the wire is made of
linear material (copper, say, or aluminum) with susceptibility χm , and the current is
distributed uniformly, what is the magnetic field a distance s from the axis? Find all
the bound currents. What is the net bound Rcurrent flowing down the wire.
At a distance s < a from the center of the wire, H · dl = 2πsH = If ree . Since the current is
distributed uniformly, the current at that distance is Is2 /a2 . Thus,
Hin = I
s
φ̂
2πa2
(158)
Meanwhile, outside the wire, the enclosed current is just I. Thus,
I
φ̂
2πs
(159)
µ0 (1 + χm )s
φ̂
2πa2
(160)
Iµ0
φ̂
2πs
(161)
Hout =
Now, B = µH = µ0 (1 + χm )H. Thus,
Bin = I
and
Bout =
since the susceptibility of free space vanishes. The free current is Jf = I/πa2 and Jb = χm Jf , so
Jb =
while
I
χm ẑ
πa2
Kb = M × n̂ = χm H × n̂
(162)
=
s=a
χm I
(−ẑ)
2πa
(163)
The net bound current is
Ib = Jb πa2 Kb 2πa = Iχm − Iχm = 0 2
(164)
Problem 7.7
A metal bar of mass m slides frictionlessly on two parallel conducting rails a distance
l apart. A resistor R is connected across the rails and a uniform magnetic field B,
pointing into the page, fills the entire region.
a) If the bar moves to the right at speed v, what is the current in the resistor? In
what direction does it flow?
If the bar is moving to the right, that means that the flux through the loop is increasing. The area
of the loop is lvt, so that the flux (and it’s time derivative) through the loop is
⇒
φB = lvtB
dφB
= Blv
dt
(165)
By Faraday’s law, this produces an EMF in the loop, whose magnitude is
EM F = −
dφB
= −Blv = IR
dt
(166)
meaning that the current is
Blv
2
(167)
R
The negative sign means that the current is flowing counterclockwise (i.e. downward through the
resistor), since the positive sense was defined by the direction of the magnetic field.
b) What is the magnetic force on the bar? In what direction?
The magnetic force is F = Idl × B. Since the current is up through the bar and the magnetic field
is into the page, the force is to the left, as it must be. Otherwise, the bar would gain more and
more energy as it sped up, without a source of that energy. The bar must slow down. The force is
I=−
F = IlB = −
B 2 l2 v
R
(168)
where the minus sign means to the left. 2.
c) If the bar starts out with speed v0 at time t = 0, and is left to slide, what is its speed
at a later time t?
m
dv
B 2 l2 v
=−
dt
R
⇒
v(t) = v0 e−B
2 l2 t/Rm
2
(169)
d) The initial kinetic energy of the bar was, of course, mv02 /2. Check the energy
delivered to the resistor is exactly mv02 /2.
The power delivered to the resistor is P = I 2 R, and power is the time derivative of energy:
P ≡ dW/dt:
dW
B 2 l2 v 2
B 2 l2 v 2
P =
= I 2R =
⇒ dW =
dt
(170)
dt
R
R
Plugging in my result for v 2 from equation 169:
B 2 l2
W =
R
Z ∞
0
2 2
v02 e−2B l t/Rm dt
∞
B 2 l2 v02 Rm
1
−2B 2 l2 t/Rm 2
=
(e
)
= 2 mv0 2
R −2B 2 l2
0
(171)
Problem 7.12
A long solenoid, of radius a, is driven by an alternating current, so that the field inside
is sinusoidal: B(t) = B0 cos(ωt)ẑ. A circular loop of wire, or radius a/2 and resistance
R, is placed inside the solenoid, and coaxial with it. Find the current induced in the
loop, as a function of time.
The flux through the loop is
π
a
φB = π( )2 B0 cos(ωt) = a2 B0 cos(ωt)
2
4
so the induced EMF is
EM F = −
dφB
πa2 B0 ω
=
sin(ωt)
dt
4
(172)
(173)
meaning that the current I = EM F/R is
I=
πa2 B0 ω
sin(ωt)
4R
(174)
Problem 7.15
A long solenoid with radius a and n turns per unit length carries a time-dependent
current I(t) in the φ̂ direction. Find the electric field (magnitude and direction) at
a distance s from the axis (both inside and outside the solenoid), in the quasi static
approximation.
The magnetic field inside a solenoid is B = µ0 nI, and outside is 0. Thus, the flux through an
Amperian loop of radius s inside the solenoid is
φB = µ0 nI(t)πs2
The induced EMF is
EM F = −µ0 nπs2
(175)
dI
dt
(176)
and the electric field can be calculated via
Z
EM F =
E · dl = E2πs
⇒
Ein = −
µ0 ns dI
2 dt
2
(177)
The electric field circles around the solenoid, since the magnetic field is in the ẑ direction through
the solenoid. Meanwhile, the flux through an Amperian loop outside the solenoid is
φB = µ0 nI(t)πa2
(178)
since the magnetic field outside the solenoid is 0, the contribution to
Thus, the electric field can be found through
Z
E · dl = −
R
B · da vanishes outside.
d
µ0 nI(t)πa2 φ̂
dt
(179)
Since the loop of integration is taken around the point outside the solenoid, the integral becomes
2πsE.
dI
µ0 na2 dI
E2πs = −µ0 nπa2
⇒ E=−
φ̂
(180)
dt
2s dt
Problem 7.31
A fat wire, radius a, carries a constant current I, uniformly distributed over its cross
section. A narrow gap in the wire, of width w a, forms a parallel-plate capacitor, as
shown in Fig. 7.43. Find the magnetic field in the gap, at a distance s < a from the
axis.
This is a displacement current problem. The displacement current is given by the change of electric
flux. The electric field due to the charge density on the edge of the wire is E = σ/0 . Thus, the
flux through an Amperian loop of radius s is
φE =
σ 2
πs
0
⇒
dφE
πs2 dσ
πs2 1 dq
Is2
=
=
=
dt
0 dt
0 πa2 dt
a2 0
(181)
Thus, we have
Z
B · dl = 0 µ0
∂φE
0 µ0 Is2
=
∂t
a2 0
⇒
B=
µ0 Is2 1
µ0 Is
φ̂ =
φ̂ 2
a2 2πs
2πa2
(182)
Problem 7.32
The preceding problem was an artificial model for the charging capacitor, designed to
avoid complications associated with the current spreading out over the surface of the
plates. For a more realistic model, imagine thin wires that connect to the centers of
the plates (Fig. 7.44a). Again, the current I is constant, the radius of the capacitor is
a, and the separation of the plates is w a. Assume that the current flows out over
the plates in such a way that the surface charge is uniform, at any given time, and is
zero at t = 0.
a) Find the electric field between the plates, as a function of t.
Between the plates, we have the usual electric field in a capacitor, E = σ/0 = q/π0 a2 . But
q/t = I, so the electric field as a function of time is
E=
It
ẑ 2
π0 a2
(183)
b) Find the displacement current through a circle of radius s in the plane midway
between the plates. Using this circle as your ”Amperian loop,” and the flat surface
that spans it, find the magnetic field at a distance s from the axis.
The flux through this circle is this electric field multiplied by the area of the circle, πs2 :
It
πs2
π0 a2
(184)
dφE
I
Is2
2
= 0
πs
=
2
dt
π0 a2
a2
(185)
φE =
Therefore, the displacement current is
Id = 0
From this we can obtain the magnetic field
Z
B · dl = µ0 Id
⇒
B2πs =
µ0 Is2
a2
⇒
B=
µ0 Is
φ̂ 2
2πa2
(186)
c) Repeat part (b), but this time use the cylindrical surface in Fig. 7.44b, which is
open at the right end and extends to the left through the plate and terminates outside
the capacitor. Notice that the displacement current through this surface is zero, and
there are two contributions to Ienc . We know have a total enclosed current of (i) the current
in the wire with radius s, and (ii) the displacement current from the donut region around the wire.
The displacement current will be the old displacement current in equation 185, minus the current
in the wire. So
s2
Id,new = Idisp,old − Iwire = Iwire 2 − Iwire
(187)
a
To obtain the total current to be enclosed by our Amperian loop, we need to add the real current
flowing in the wire, I:
Itot = Id,new + Iwire = Iwire
s2
s2
−
I
+
I
=
I
wire
wire
wire 2
a2
a
(188)
Thus, we again find, as in equation 186, that
B=
µ0 Is
φ̂ 2
2πa2
(189)
Problem 8.2
Consider the charging capacitor in Prob. 7.31.
a) Find the electric and magnetic fields in the gap, as functions of the distance s from
the axis and the time t. (Assume the charge is zero at t = 0.)
R
We already found the magnetic field in problem 7.31 by using Maxwell’s law B · dl = 0 µ0 φ̇E .
We found it to be
µ0 Is
B=
φ̂ 2
(190)
2πa2
Meanwhile, the electric field in the gap is given by E = σ/0 ẑ. Using σ = q/A = It/A, we obtain
E=
It
ẑ 2
0 πa2
(191)
We could have also found this by using Maxwell’s law in differential form:
∇×B=
µ0 I
∂E
1 ∂(sBφ )
ẑ =
ẑ = 0 µ0
2
s ∂s
πa
∂t
⇒
E=
It
ẑ
0 πa2
(192)
b) Find the energy density uem and the Poynting vector S in the gap. Note especially
the direction of S. Check that Eq. 8.14 is satisfied.
The energy density is
uem =
0 2
1 I 2 t2
1 µ0 I 2 s 2
µ0 I 2 2 2 s 2
B2
=
+
=
(c t + )
E +
2
2µ0
2 0 π 2 a4 2 4π 2 a4
2π 2 a4
4
(193)
Meanwhile, the Poynting vector is trivially computed:
S=
I 2 st
1
E × B = − 2 4 ŝ
µ0
2π 0 a
(194)
Eq. 8.14 is
∂
(umech + uem ) = −∇ · S
(195)
∂t
umech = 0 here, so it remains to take the time derivative of equation 193 and compare it to the
divergence of equation 194:
µ0 I 2
I 2t
I 2t
∂uem
= 2 4 c2 t = −∇ · S = 2 4 ∇ · (sŝ) = 2 4
∂t
π a
2π 0 a
π 0 a
(196)
(Recall that the divergence is taken in cylindrical coordinates). Since c2 = 1/µ0 0 , equation 8.14 is
confirmed.
c) Determine the total energy in the gap, as a function of time. Calculate the total
power flowing into the gap, by integrating the Poynting vector of the appropriate
surface. Check that the power input is equal to the rate of increase of energy in the
gap (Eq. 8.9 – in this case W = 0, because there is no charge in the gap).
The total energy is given by
Z b
Z
Uem =
uem dV =
uem w2πsds =
0
µ0 wI 2 b2 2 2 b2
[c t + ]
2πa4
16
(197)
for an arbitrary surface of radius b. w is the width of the gap. The total power is
Z
P =
S · da =
I 2 wtb2
I 2t
[bŝ
·
(2πbwŝ]
=
2π 2 0 a4
π0 a4
(198)
Problem 10.3
Find the fields, and the charge and current distributions, corresponding to V (r, t) =
0, A(r, t) = −qt/4π0 r2 r̂.
This is a rather simple exercise:
E = −∇V −
∂A
1 q
=
r̂
∂t
4π0 r2
(199)
B=∇×A=0
(200)
It looks like this corresponds to a point charge at the origin:
∇·E=
q
r̂
q
∇ · ( 2 ) = δ 3 (r)
4π0
r
0
∇×B=0
⇒
⇒
J=0
ρ = qδ 3 (r)
(201)
(202)