Physics 3323, Fall 2016 Problem Set 4 due Sep 23, 2016

Reading: Griffiths 3.1 through 3.4 b each as the sum of two terms. Let Vij be the potential at
sphere i due to sphere j.
1. More spherical conducting shells
Va = Vaa + Vab
Two conducting spheres of radius a and b, each carrying a
Vb = Vba + Vbb
charge q, are separated by a distance R  a, b. Find the
approximate potential of and the final charge on each sphere Now it is just a matter of writing the different Vij in terms of
after they are connected by a fine conducting wire. Assume the charges on the spheres and solving for the charges using
the following idealized conditions: the conditions Va = Vb and qa + qb = 2q.

1. the charge distribution and the field of each sphere are 1 qa 1 qb

Vaa = , Vab =
radially symmetric, 4πε0 a 4πε0 R

2. each sphere can be regarded as a point charge relative to 1 qa 1 qb

Vba = , Vbb =
the location of the other sphere, 4πε0 R 4πε0 b
The first condition leads to
3. no charge resides on the wire.
1  qa qb  1  qa qb 
(Hints – (i) the potential at the surface of each sphere may + = + . (1.1)
4πε0 a R 4πε0 R b
be regarded as the sum of two partial potentials: the potential
due to the charge residing on the same sphere and the potential At this point we can use the fact that R  a, b to ignore
some terms and rewrite Eq. (??).
due the charge residing on the other sphere, and (ii) the total
charge must be conserved.) bqa = aqb (1.2)

SOLUTION: Before the spheres are connected with the wire, Now we use the second condition to write qb = 2q − qa .
they each have the same charge q = qa = qb , but in general a
bqa = a(2q − qa ) ⇒ qa = 2q
they have different potentials. (Va 6= Vb ) After they are con- a+b
nected, charge will flow from one conductor to the other in
order to make the potentials equal. (Va = Vb ) This charge qb can then be found by symmetry.
will be conserved so that qa + qb = 2q.    a 
qa 2q a+b
= b (1.3)
qb 2q a+b
Let’s first write the potential at the spheres of radius a and

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2. A wire runs around it
We solved the problem of a point charge and a grounded metal b)The force on the charged wire above the earth will be due
plate conductor in lecture, and in so doing have in effect solved to electric field produced by the induced charges in the earth
every problem that can be obtained from this by superposi- plane. Since this electric field is the same as that from the
tion! Suppose, for instance, that we have a straight wire 2000 image charge described earlier, we can just calculate the field
due to the image charge at the position of the charge wire.
m long that is uniformly charged with a linear density 10−4
The image charge has electric field
C/m, and that runs parallel to the earth at a height of 5 m.
For steady fields, the earth behaves like a good conductor. Ne- ~ =− λ
E ŷ
glect edge effects in the following. 2πε0 (2h)
a) What is the field strength at the surface of the earth,
at the position of the charged wire. This means that there is
immediately below the wire? a force of λ2 dl/4πε0 h on a piece of charge λdl. This is true
b) What is the electric force acting on the wire? of dl anywhere except close to the ends of the wire. Since we
c) If you follow a field line that starts out from the wire in a are neglecting end effects, we can find the force by integrating
over the line of charge.
horizontal direction (that is, parallel to the earth), where does
it meet the surface of the earth? Z
λ2 dl λ2 L
F = =
4πε0 h 4πε0 h

SOLUTION: This problem has a solution by the method of The force is directed downward toward the ground.
images, where the image is a straight wire 2000 m long that
λ2 L (10−4 C/m)2 × 2000 m
is uniformly charged with a linear density −10−4 C/m and F~ = − ŷ = − ŷ
runs parallel to the earth at a depth of 5 m below the surface. 4πε0 h 4π 8.85 × 10−12 F/m × 5 m

~ = λ ŝ, F~ = −36.0 kN ŷ (2.2)

a) We know a long line of charge has the field E 2πε0 s
where s is the distance from the line, and ŝ is a unit vector
pointing away from the line. The contributions from the line c) Let the lines of charge run in the z-direction and let the
of charge and the image charge at a point directly between y-direction be the vertical. I make the claim that the electric
them have the same magnitude and direction. Thus field lines are arcs of circles with centers on the x-axis which
λ pass through the points (0, h) and (0, −h) where h = 5m.
~ = −2
E ŷ
2πε0 h The electric field has the form
 
λ xx̂ + (y − h)ŷ xx̂ + (y + h)ŷ
λ 10−4 C/m ~
E= − 2
E= = = 719 kV/m (2.1) 2πε0 x2 + (y − h)2 x + (y + h)2
πε0 h π 8.85 × 10−12 F/m × 5m

2
  
λ x x = r2 sin2 θ − cos2 θ − 1 − 2rx0 cos θ


= − x̂
2πε0 x2 + (y − h)2 x2 + (y + h)2
   = −2r2 cos2 θ − 2rx0 cos θ
y−h y+h
+ − ŷ = −2r cos θ (x0 + r cos θ)
x2 + (y − h)2 x2 + (y + h)2
λ 2h

2xyx̂ + y 2 − x2 − h2 ŷ

 The square of the denominator.
~ =
E (2.3)
2πε0 (x2 + (y − h)2 ) (x2 + (y + h)2 )
2
y 2 − x2 − h2 + (2xy)2 = 4r2 cos2 θ (x0 + r cos θ)2
Thus we see that the vector ~
2 2 2

field E is parallel to the vector +4r2 sin2 θ (x0 + r cos θ)2
field 2xyx̂+ y − x − h ŷ. I will show that the unit vectors
parallel to this vector field are the tangents to the family = 4r2 (x0 + r cos θ)2 = (2r (x0 + r cos θ))2
of circles centered on a point (x0 , 0) on the x-axis passing
through the points (0, ±h). Thus we have for the unit vector n̂.
First, the unit vectors are 2xyx̂ + y 2 − x2 − h2 ŷ


n̂ = q
2xyx̂ + y 2 − x2 − h2 ŷ (y 2 − x2 − h2 )2 + (2xy)2


n̂ = q . (2.4)
(y 2 − x2 − h2 )2 + (2xy)2 2r (x0 + r cos θ) (sin θx̂ − cos θŷ)
=
Now the family of curves can be described parametrically by ±2r (x0 + r cos θ)
= ± (sin θx̂ − cos θŷ) = ±T̂
x = x0 + r cos θ
Now that we know that the field lines are arcs of these circles,
y = r sin θ it is clear that the circle of radius h = 5m is the one pertinent
where r =
p
x20 + h2 . These curves have tangent vectors to the question. It passes through the x axis at a point 5m
from directly below the axis.
T̂ = − sin θx̂ + cos θŷ.

By substituting the parametrization of the circles into Eq. (??),

I will show that n̂ = ±T̂. The numerator of the x component. 3. Parallel plate capacitor, filled
2xy = 2r sin θ(x0 + r cos θ) A voltage V0 is applied to a thin parallel plate capacitor of
plate separation d filled with a cloud of positive charge den-
The numerator of the y component. sity ρ(x) = ρ0 sin(πx/2d). The x-axis is perpendicular to the
y 2 − x2 − h2 = r2 sin2 θ − (x0 + r cos θ)2 − h2 plates. Take the positive plate at x = 0 to be grounded and
the negative plate at x = d to have a potential −V0 .
= r2 sin2 θ − r2 cos2 θ − 2rx0 cos θ − x20 − h2 a) Find the potential inside the capacitor with respect to the

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positive plate. V0 + V1
V (d) = V1 + C1 d = −V0 ⇒ C1 = −
b) Find the electric field between the plates. d
h  πx  x i x
c) Find the surface charge density σ on the inner surfaces of V (x) = V1 sin − − V0 (3.5)
2d d d
the plates.
with V1 defined as above.
SOLUTION: b)
a) We need to solve the differential equation ~ = −∇V
E ~ = dV x̂
dx
ρ ρ0  πx   
π πx 1

V0

∇2 V = − = − sin
 
ε0 ε0 2d = −V1 cos − + x̂
2d 2d d d
subject to the boundary conditions V (x = 0) = 0 and V (x =   πx  V + V 
~ = − 2dρ 0 1 0
d) = −V0 . Since there is translational symmetry in the E cos + x̂ (3.6)
πε0 2d d
y and z directions, the problem becomes essentially a one-
dimensional ODE in x.
c) Here we use the electrostatic boundary condition
d2 V ρ0  πx 
= − sin (3.1)
dx2 ε0 2d ∂Vabove ∂Vb elow 1
− = − σ.
∂n ∂n ε0
A particular integral of Eq. (??) is
 πx  We will take the n direction to be the x direction. Outside
Vp (x) = V1 sin (3.2) the conductors, the potential is constant (it satisfies Laplace’s
2d
equation there). The surface charge at x = 0 is
where  2
2d ρ0
V1 = . ∂V 2dρ0 ε0
π ε0 σ0 = −ε0 =− + (V1 + V0 )
∂x 0 π d
The homogeneous solution is
while the surface charge at x = d is
Vh (x) = C1 x + C2 . (3.3)

The full solution is then the sum of Eqs. (??–??). ∂V ε0

σ d = ε0 =− (V1 + V0 ).
 πx  ∂x d d
V (x) = Vp + Vh = V1 sin + C1 x + C2 (3.4)
2d
Now we use the boundary conditions to solve for C1 and C2 .

V (0) = C2 = 0

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  
Q 1  q q
√ −q 
a 4πε0 r2 + a2 − 2ra cos θ ra 2


R2 + R − 2ra cos θ
The law of cosines can be used to show that the first terms
on the LHS and RHS are equal. By the law of cosines,
R

h
rp
= a2 + r2 − 2ar cos θ
This shows that the first terms are equal. Now we need to
4. Imagine those charges show that the second term are also equal. First, we can
r
rewrite 0 .
Griffiths Figure 3.12 shows a grounded metal sphere with a
charge q outside of it. He argues that the method of images is
0
r p
= b2 + r2 − 2br cos θ
0 Now use the relations b = R2 /a and q 0 = −qR/a to get
applicable, you just have to put the correct charge (q ) at the
correct spot (point b inside the sphere). q0 −q
a) Griffiths 3.8a (3.7a in 3rd ed.). This form makes explicit r=0
a
r
R2
2
2
+ r2 − 2 Ra r cos θ
R a
that your boundary conditions work.
b) Griffiths 3.8b (3.7b in 3rd ed.) q
= −q .
ra 2


c) Now use this result to solve the more complex geometry R2 + R − 2ra cos θ
shown above, with a hemispherical conducting bump (radius This shows that the second terms are also equal.
R) in an otherwise planar conducting sheet. A charge Q is sits b) We will use the electrostatic boundary condition σ =
a distance a above the plane of the sheet, centered above the −ε0 ∂V
∂n where the directional derivative is taken to be the
bump. You can find the potential V anywhere in the plane ∂
outward normal of the conductor. In our case, ∂n ∂
= ∂r .
above the conductor by using three image charges. What are  
their locations and charges? Be sure to explain your reason- q ∂  1 1
ing and to demonstrate that V = 0 on the entire conducting σ=− √ −q 
4π ∂r r2 + a2 − 2ra cos θ 2 ra 2


R + − 2ra cos θ
surface. R r=R
 
SOLUTION: q  r − a cos θ − a cos θra2 /R2
=− − +

4π 3/2 3/2 
(r2 + a2 − 2ra cos θ)

a) We want to show that R2 + ra

2
− 2ra cos θ
R r=R
q0
 
1 q " #
q a cos θ − R a2 /R − a cos θ
4πε0 r+r 0
= (4.1)
=− +
4π (R2 + a2 − 2Ra cos θ)3/2 (R2 + a2 − 2Ra cos θ)3/2

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 " #
q R − a2 /R following charges:
σ= (4.2)
4π (R2 + a2 − 2Ra cos θ)3/2 q0 =Q: at z =a
q1 = −QR/a : at z = b = R2 /a
Note that σ has the opposite sign of q since R < a. Since the
q2 = QR/a : at z = −b = −R2 /a
sphere is grounded, there will be some net induced charge.
q3 = −Q : at z = −a
We would expect the total induced charge to be equal to the
0
R image charge. Q = q = −qR/a We want to
value of the On the sphere, the contributions to the potential of q0 and q1
calculate σ dA over the surface of the sphere. In this case add to zero, while the contributions from q2 and q3 also add
dA = 2πR2 sin θdθ. to zero. On the plane, the charges pair up differently. The
Z π
q R − a2 /R contributions to the potential from q0 and q3 cancel, while
Q= 3/2
2πR2 sin θ dθ those from q1 and q2 cancel. If you are still not satisfied with
0 4π 2 2
(R + a − 2Ra cos θ)
that, you can write the entire potential in a form similar to
qR2

a2
Z π
sin θ dθ Eq. (??).
= R− 3/2
2 R 2 2
0 (R + a − 2Ra cos θ)

1  q q
Now make the substitution x = R2 + a2 − 2Ra cos θ, dx = V = √ −q
4πε0 2 2
r + a − 2ra cos θ 2
R2 + ra − 2ra cos θ


2Ra sin θdθ. R
2

(a+R) −3/2
Z 
q 2 2
Q= R −a x dx q q
4a (a−R)2 −√ +q  (4.4)
r2 + a2 + 2ra cos θ R2 + ra 2


+ 2ra cos θ
  R
q 2 2

1 1
= R − a (−2) − From this expression it is clear that when r = R or when
4a a+R a−R
θ = π/2, V = 0.
q
a−R−a−R R
Q= a2 − R2 2 2
= −q = q 0 (4.3)
2a a −R a
5. A retake of Griffiths Example 3.4
This is as we would expect.
c) If we put an image charge q1 = −QR/a at a point z =
Take the basic geometry of of Griffiths Example 3.4, but change
b = R2 /a as before, then the potential will be 0 on the sphere it to a pipe of square cross section, with the origin located at
of radius R. However, we still need to have a potential of the center of the pipe. Suppose the potential on this sides at
0 on the entire plane as well. This requires two more image x = ±a/2 is 0, and the potential on the sides at y = ±a/2 is
charges, one each for the charge Q and q1 . Thus we have the V0 cos(πx/a). Find V (x, y) inside the pipe, and make a rough
sketch of the equipotential lines in the x, y plane.

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 SOLUTION: Here we have no charges in the region inside and
the pipe. There is translational symmetry in the z direction, Y (y) = C cosh ky + D sinh ky
so this is a two dimensional problem in x and y. We find Don’t let the offset in the solutions for X throw you. They are
the potential V (x, y) by solving Laplace’s equation with the perfectly good linearly independent solutions to the differen-
appropriate boundary conditions. tial equation Eq. (??) but are in a form that will make apply-
∂2V ∂2V ing the boundary conditions simpler. Speaking of boundary
PDE: + =0 (5.1) conditions, note that the entire situation is symetric in y.
∂x2 ∂y 2
 a  That is V (x, −y) = V (x, y). This implies that D = 0. Our
V ± ,y = 0 solutions now read:
2
 a  πx    a    a 
V x, ± = V0 cos X(x) = A cos k x − + B sin k x −
2 a 2 2
We will solve this problem by the method of separation of Y (y) = C cosh ky
variables. We assume the separable solution V (x, y) = X(x)Y (y).
Inserting this into Eq. (??) yeilds. Applying the boundary condition at x = a/2 gives

d2 X d2 Y X(a/2) = 0 = A
Y + X =0
dx2 dy 2
while applying the boundary condition at x = −a/2 gives
Now we divide by V (x, y) = X(x)Y (y).
X(−a/2) = 0 = −B sin ka.
1 d2 X 1 d2 Y
+ =0
X dx2 Y dy 2 Now we could let B = 0, but that would give 0 for the entire
The equation is now separated. The only way this can be true solution. Thus k = nπ/a where n is an integer. In order to
is if the left term and the right term are separately equal to apply the final boundary condition, we need to take a linear
constants which are additive inverses. Denoting the constant combination of the valid solutions, one for each n.
k 2 for reasons soon to be seen we get: X X  nπy   nπx nπ 
V (x, y) = Xn (x)Yn (y) = Bn cosh sin −
a a 2
d2 X n n
= −k 2 X (5.2)
dx2  a  πx 
V x, ± = V0 cos
d2 Y 2 a
= k2 Y  nπ   nπx nπ 
dy 2
X
= Bn cosh sin −
These give the solutions n
2 a 2
  a    a 
X(x) = A cos k x − + B sin k x −
2 2

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Now we could use Fourier’s trick to integrate over othogonal
functions here, but it is a little simpler to notice that for
n=1
 πx π   π  πx  πx 
sin − = − sin − = − cos .
a 2 2 a a
If we set Bn = 0 for all n 6= 1, and let B1 = −V0 / cosh (π/2)
we get
 a cosh (π/2)  πx π 
V x, ± = −V0 sin −
2 cosh (π/2) a 2
 πx π   πx 
= −V0 sin − = V0 cos
a 2 a
as required. This makes the full solution

cosh (πy/a)  πx 
V (x, y) = V0 cos (5.3)
cosh (π/2) a