Chapter 11: Problem 7
A right circular cylinder has an electrostatic potential of \(\psi(\rho, \varphi)\) on both ends. The potential on the curved cylindrical surface is zero. Find the potential at all interior points. Hint. Choose your coordinate system and adjust your \(z\) dependence to exploit the symmetry of your potential.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Problem
Establishing the Coordinate System
Laplace's Equation
Separation of Variables
Solving Radial Part
Solving Axial Part
Constructing the General Solution
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Electrostatic Potential
In the context of this exercise, the cylinder has a given electrostatic potential on its ends, while its curved surface is held at zero potential, known as a boundary condition. These conditions help determine how the potential behaves inside the cylinder.
- Boundary conditions: Essential to solving problems with Laplace's equation. Indicate known values on the system's boundary.
- Symmetry: Exploiting the symmetry of the system, such as the homogeneity in the azimuthal direction, simplifies the mathematical solution.
Cylindrical Coordinates
Cylindrical coordinates are beneficial here because they simplify the equations involved due to the symmetry of the cylinder.
- \( \rho \): Measures the radial distance from the axis of the cylinder.
- \( \varphi \): Represents the angle around the central axis.
- \( z \): Denotes the height along the cylinder's axis.
Laplace's Equation
For cylindrical coordinates, Laplace's equation adapts to the symmetry of the problem, allowing for the separation of variables method, which simplifies solving procedures.
- Basic form: \( abla^2 \psi = 0 \), indicating no charge present in the region.
- Cylindrical adaptation: In cylindrical systems, it expands to include radial and axial terms, which can be separated due to symmetry.
Bessel's Equation
The solutions to Bessel's equation are known as Bessel functions, which come in several forms, with \( J_n \) being the most common. For the problem at hand, due to zero boundary conditions, the suitable radial solution involves the first kind of Bessel function \( J_0 \) for the zero-order case.
- Finite at origin: Bessel functions ensure the solution remains bounded at the cylinder's center.
- Application: Used to describe oscillations and waveforms in cylindrical systems.