Physics 742: Jackson, Classical

Electrodynamics
Russell Bloomer1
University of Virginia
Note: There is no guarantee that these are correct, and they should not be copied

email: rbloomer@virginia.edu

Contents
1 Problem Set 1
1.1 Problem 1 . . . . . . .
1.2 Problem 2: Jackson 1.5
1.3 Problem 3: Jackson 1.6
1.4 Problem 4: Jackson 1.10

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1
1
2
3
4

2 Problem Set 2
2.1 Problem 1: Jackson
2.2 Problem 2: Jackson
2.3 Problem 3: Jackson
2.4 Problem 4: Jackson

1.7
1.9
2.1
2.2

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7
7
8
9
11

3 Problem Set 3
3.1 Problem 1: Jackson
3.2 Problem 2: Jackson
3.3 Problem 3: Jackson
3.4 Problem 4: Jackson

2.8
2.10
2.13
2.23

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13
13
14
16
17

4 Problem Set 4
19
4.1 Problem 1: Jackson 3.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.2 Problem 2: Jackson 3.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.3 Problem 3: Jackson 3.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5 Problem Set 5
23
5.1 Problem 1: Jackson 3.17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5.2 Problem 2: Jackson 4.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6 Problem Set 6
27
6.1 Problem 1: Jackson 4.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.2 Problem 2: Jackson 4.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
6.3 Problem 3: Distressed Simple Cubic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
7 Problem Set 7
31
7.1 Problem 1: Jackson 4.13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
8 Problem Set 8
8.1 Problem 1: Jackson 5.2
8.2 Problem 2: Semi-Infinite
8.3 Problem 3: Jackson 5.6
8.4 Problem 4: Jackson 5.13

. . . . . .
Cylinder .
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33
33
34
35
35

9 Problem Set 9
39
9.1 Problem 1: Jackson 5.17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
9.2 Problem 2: Jackson 5.19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
9.3 Problem 3: Jackson 5.22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
10 Problem Set 10
45
10.1 Problem 1: Jackson 5.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
10.2 Problem 2: Jackson 5.27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
10.3 Problem 3: Jackson 5.29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
11 Problem Set 11
51
11.1 Problem 1: Jackson 6.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
11.2 Problem 2: Jackson 6.20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
11.3 Problem 3: Jackson 6.11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
12 Problem Set 12
55
12.1 Problem 1: Jackson 6.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
12.2 Problem 2: Jackson 6.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
A Special Functions

61

ii

Chapter 1
Problem Set 1

1.1

Problem 1

Consider a vacuum diode consisting of two parallel plates of area A which are large compared to their separation
d. Neglecting edge effects, all quantities will be assumed to depend only on x a coordinate perpendicular to the plates.
Electrons are boiled off the cathode plate which is heated and held at potential = 0. They are attracted
to the anode plate which is held at a positive potential Vo . The cloud of electrons within the gap (called the space
charge) quickly builds up to a point where it reduces field at the cathode to zero. From then on a steady current
flows between the plates.
Show that the current in the diode is given by
I = KVo3/2 where K =

4o A
9d2

2e
m

(1.1)

The charge density is

= o 2 V = o

2V
x2

(1.2)

because the charge density only depends on the position x. Next the velocity of the electron at any position in the
potential.
r
2eV
1
mv 2 = eV v =
(1.3)
2
m
Because this is a steady state, the current is independent of the position x.
dq = Adx

dq
dx
= A
I = Av
dt
dt

Combining equations 3 and 41

r
I = A

2eV
I
=
m
A

m
2eV

Now adding in equation 2

I
=
A

m
2V
I
=

2eV
x2
o A

m
2eV

All that remains is to solve the differential. Start by defining W = V

. The differential becomes
x
r
r
W
I
2 1/2 V
I
2 1/2
W
=
V
W W =
V
V
x
o A me
x
o A me
1 If

the e on equation is lower case, it is from the homework set, but if it is upper case, it is from Jackson 3rd ed.

(1.4)

Integrating once to find

2I
1 2
W =
2
o A

2 1/2
V
me

Solving for W
1 2
2I
W =
2
o A
Now reintroduce W =

2 1/2
V
W =
me

8m
e

I
o A

2 !1/4

V 1/4

V
x

V
=
x

8m
e

I
o A

2 !1/4

8m
e

V 1/4 V 1/4 V =

I
o A

2 !1/4
x

Integrating

1/4

V =

8m
e

I
o A

2 !1/4

4
x V 3/4 =
3

8m
e

I
o A

2 !1/4
x+C

The first boundary condition is at V (0) = 0, which determines the constant to be C = 0. The other boundary
condition is at V (d) = Vo . The equation becomes
4 3/4
Vo =
3

8m
e

I
o A

2 !1/4
d

Solving for the current

r
 4

2

2
 4
 2
4
e
8m
I
I
e
4
I
4
3
Vo3 =
d4
=
V

=
Vo3/2
o
3
e
o A
o A
8md4 3
o A
8m 3d
r
4o A 2e 3/2
I=
Vo I = KVo3/2 X
9d2
m

1.2

Problem 2: Jackson 1.5

The time-averaged potential of a neutral hydrogen atom is given by

=

q er 
r 
1+
4o r
2

(1.5)

where q is the magnitude of the electric charge, and 1 = ao /2, ao being the Bohr radius. Find the distribution of
charge (both continuous and discrete) that will give this potential and interpret your result physically.
The charge density is related to the potential by

r 
q er 
= o = o
1+
4o r
2
 r 


q
e
r
= 2
1+
4
r
2
2

The Laplace in spherical coordinates for a spherically symmetrical object is



1

2 = 2
r2
r r
r

Then the charge density becomes




 r 
q
1
e
r 
2
=
1
+
r
4 r2 r
r
r
2


 r

r
q
1
e
e

2
=
+
r
4 r2 r
r
r
2



 
2
1 r r
1
q
r2 r
2 r
e
+
r
e
e
=

4 r2 r
2
r r
2
 
 

  
3 2
q
1

r
1
1
2
r
r
r
2 2 r
2 r
r
2
=

re
+
e

e
+

r
e

r
e
+
e
r
4 r2
2
r r
r
r r



  
q 3 r

1
1
r2 er
r
2
=
e
2 er + 2
+
e
r
4 2
r
r
r2
r2 r
r r


With 2 r1 = 4(r), the factor in front of the delta function is 1 at the origin and 0 everywhere else. The above
equation reduces to


q 3 r
q3 r
=
e
4(r) = q(r)
e
(1.6)
4 2
8
The first term is a positive point charge at the origin, which would be the proton. The second term is a negative
spherically symmetry object that is decaying off rapidly after the Bohr radius, which is a good description of the
electric cloud. X

1.3

Problem 3: Jackson 1.6

A simple capacitor is a device formed by two insulated conductors adjacent to each other. If equal and opposite charges
are placed on the conductors, there will be a certain difference potential between them. The ratio of magnitude of
the charge on one conductor to magnitude of the potential difference is called the capacitance. Using Gausss law,
calculate the capacitance of
(a) two large, flat, conducting sheets of area A, separated by a small distance d
The electric field outside the plate two plates is zero, because if pillbox containing both plates has no charge therefore
no electric field. Forming a pillbox around one plate by Gausss law has |E| = /2o , where = Q/A. There are two
plates adding constructively in between, so |E| = /o . The potential is then

V
=
d
o
Qd
d
V =
V =
o
Ao
E=

The capacitance is then

C=

Q
Q
Ao
= Qd C =
X
V
d
A
o

(b) two concentric conduction spheres with radii a, b (b > a)

Gausss law for a sphere is
E=

Q 1
4o r2

The potential is then

Z a
Q
dr
d
E
l=
2
4
o
b
b r


Q 1 a
Q
1
1
=
=

4o r b
4o a
b
Z

V =

Now the capacitance

C=

Q
=
V

Q
Q
4o

1
a

1
b

= 4o

ab
X
ba

(c) two concentric conducting cylinders of length L, large compared to their radii a, b (b > a)
Using Gausss law for cylindrical surface is
E=

Q 1
2o r

The potential becomes

Z b
dr
Q
d
E
l=
2
o
a r
a
b
Q
Q
Q
=
ln ra =
(ln b ln a) =
ln (b/a)
2o
2o
2o
Z

V =

The capacitance is
Q
=
V

C=

Q
2o

Q
2o
=
X
ln (b/a)
ln (b/a)

(1.7)

(d) What is the inner diameter of the outer conductor in an air-filled coaxial cable whose center conductor is a
cylindrical wire of diameter 1 mm and whose capacitance is 3 1011 F/m? 3 1012 F/m?
Using equation 7, and rearranging it
b = ae

2o
C

For 3 1011 F/m

b = 1 e28.8510

12

/31011

= e1.854 = 6.38 mm X

For 3 1012 F/m

b = 1 e28.8510

1.4

12

/31012

= e18.54 = 1.12 108 mm X

Problem 4: Jackson 1.10

Prove the mean value theorem: For charge-free space the value of the electrostatic potential at any point is equal to
the average of the potential over the surface of any sphere centered on that point.
From Equation 1.36
(x) =

1
4o

(~
x0 ) 3 0
1
d x +
R
4

Z
V

I 
S

1 d
d
0
R dn0
dn

1
R



da0

(1.8)

For a charge-free space = 0, then

1
4o

Z
V

(~
x0 ) 3 0
1
d x =
R
4o

Z
V

0 3 0
d x =0
R

Using Equation 1.33 for the second part of equation 8

1
1 d
= n
0
R dn0
R
From equation 1.16
1
1
n
0 = E n
0
R
R
The second part of equation 8 becomes
1
4

I
S

1
1 d 0
da =
R dn0
4

I
S

1
En
0 da0
R

(1.9)

Because this is over the surface it is independent of R, then

I
1
En
0 da0

4R S
By the divergence theorem

1
4R

En
0 da0 =
S

1
4o R

(~
x)d3 x0

Again in a charge-free space

1
4o R

(~
x)d3 x0 = 0

(1.10)

1
d
For the last part of equation 8, dn
= R12 , because the differential is before the surface. At the surface the
0
R
radius is constant so the last part of equation 8 becomes
 
I
I
1
d
1
1

0
da0
(1.11)
da0 =
4 S dn R
4R2 S
So combining equations 9, 10, and 11 to find
(x) =

1
4R2

da0 X
S

Chapter 2
Problem Set 2

2.1

Problem 1: Jackson 1.7

Two long, cylindrical conductors of radii a1 and a2 are parallel and separated by a distance d, which is large compared
with either radius. Show that the capacitance per unit length is given approximately by

1
d
C ' o ln
(2.1)
a
where a is the geometrical mean of the two radii. Approximate what gauge wire (state diameter in millimeters) would
be necessary to make a two-wire transmission line with capacitance of 1.2 1011 F/m in the separation of the wires
was 0.5 cm? 1.5 cm? 5.0 cm?
The electric field for a wire is given by
~ =
E

Q r
2o r

The potential between the two wire is

Z
=

The capacitance is given by C =

Q
.


Z da1
dr
dr
+
r
r
a
a2
 
1


d a2
d a1
ln
+ ln
a1
a2
 

(d a2 ) (d a1 )
ln
a1 a2

~ d~l =
E

Q
2o

Q
2o

Q
2o

Z

da2

Then
C=

Q
=

Q
Q
2o

ln

(da2 )(da1 )
a1 a2

i

2o

=
ln

(da2 )(da1 )
a1 a2

Since the distance between the wires is much large than their radii, d a1 d a2 d. Then capacitance reduces to
2o

C=
ln

ln

(da2 )(da1 )
a1 a2

2
 o  =
2
d

a1 a2


o

ln

d
a1 a2

Defining the average radius as a = a1 a2 . The capacitance is then

o
o
 =


C= 
d
d
ln
ln a1 a2
a

For C = 1.2 1011 F/m and d = 0.5cm the radius is

1.2 1011 =

o
.005
a

ln

a = .49mm

The diameter is .98 mm. Now for d = 1.5cm

1.2 1011 =

o
.015
a

ln

a = 1.5mm

The diameter is 3 mm. Lastly for d = 5.0cm

1.2 1011 =

o
.050
a

ln

a = 4.9mm

The diameter is 9.8 mm. X

2.2

Problem 2: Jackson 1.9

Calculate the attractive force between conductors in the parallel plate capacitor (Problem 1.6a) and parallel cylinder
capacitor (Problem 1.7) for
(a) fixed charges on each conductor
For parallel plate capacitor, the work is
1
CV 2
2

W =
From the last problem set, C =

Ao
,
d

and V =

Qd
.
Ao

W =

(2.2)

Therefore

1 Ao
2 d

Qd
Ao

2
=

1 Q2 d
2 Ao

Force is given by

F =
Because the charge is constant

Q
l

W
l


+

W
l


(2.3)
V

= 0, then the force is

F =

W
1 Q2 d
1 Q2
=
=
X
l
l 2 Ao
2 Ao

1
For parallel cylinder capacitor, the work is given by equation 2, with C = o ln ad
and V =
is then

1 
 2
 
1
d
Q
d
1 Q2
d
W = o ln
ln
=
ln
2
a
o
a
2 o
a
Because the charge is constant, the force becomes from equation 3
 
1 Q2
d
1 Q2
ln
=
X
F =
l 2 o
a
2 o d
(b) fixed potential difference between conductors.
For parallel capacitors, the charge in terms of potential is
V =

Ao V
Qd
Q=
Ao
d

The work becomes

W =

1 Q2 d
1 o AV 2
W =
2 Ao
2 d

Q
o

ln

d
a

. The work

From equation 3, the force is


F =

W
l

=
V

1 o AV 2
X
2 d2

For parallel cylinder capacitor, the charge in terms of potential is

 
Q
d
o V


V =
ln
Q=
o
a
ln ad
The work becomes
W =

1 Q2
ln
2 o

 
d
1 o V 2


W =
a
2 ln ad

From equation 3, the force is


F =

2.3

W
l


=
V

1 o V 2
1 o V 2


=

X
l 2 ln ad
2 d ln d 2
a

Problem 3: Jackson 2.1

A point charge q is brought to a position a distance d away from infinite plane conductor held at zero potential.
Using the method of images find:
(a) the surface-charge density induced on the plane, and plot it.
From the method of images
q/4o
q 0 /4o
+
|~
x~
y|
|~
x y~0 |

(~
x) =

(2.4)

Because it is an infinite plane conductor, by symmetry of problem ~

y = d~ and y~0 = d~ when defining the capacitor on
the xy plane. The charge is then also q 0 = q. The potential becomes
(~
x) =

q/4o
q/4o

~
~
|~
x d|
|~
x + d|

Defining the potential in cylindrical coordinates

(, , z) =

q/4o
2

(z d)

1/2

q/4o
(z + d)2 + 2

1/2

The surface-charge density induced on the plane is when z = 0


= o z=0
z
"
#
q
q

4
4
=

1/2

1/2
z
(z d)2 2
(z + d)2 + 2
z=0
"
#
1
1
2(z d) 2
2(z + d) 2
q
=

3/2

3/2
4
(z d)2 + 2
(z + d)2 + 2
z=0
"
#
q
q
2d
1
=
=


2 3/2
4 (d2 + 2 )3/2
2d2
1 + d
See figure 1. X
(b) the force between the plane and the charge by using Coulombs law for the force between the charge and its
image.

Figure 2.1: s(r) = 1/(1 + r2 )3/2

The force between the charge and the image is
x1 ~
x2
~ = q 1 q2 ~
F
4o |~
x1 ~
x2 |3
The separation ~
x1 ~
x2 = 2d
z . The charges are q1 = q2 = q. The force becomes
z
q2
z
q 2 z
~ = q(q) 2d
F
=
=
X
4o | 2d|3
4o (2d)2
16o d2
(c) the total force acting on the plane by integrating 2 /2o over the whole plane.
The force is
2

1 q
1
2

da dF =
dF =

3/2 da



2o
2o 2o
2
1 + d
=

q2

8 2 o d4 1 +

2
d

3 da

Integrating over the entire plane

F =

q2
8 2 o d4

Z
0

q2
2
8 o d4

Z
0

1

1+

2
d

3 dd

1


2 3 d
1 + d


q2
d6
q2
 =
=
X

4o d4 4(2 + d2 )2 0
16o d2
= 2

(d) the work necessary to remove the charge q from its position to infinity.
From part b, the force is
F =

q 2 z
16o z 2

So the work is the amount of force to move a particle a distance, then the work is

Z
Z
q 2 dz
q 2 1 
~ d
W =
F
z=
=
16o z 2
16o z d
d
d
=

q2
X
16o d

(e) the potential energy between the charge q and its image [compare the answer to part d and discuss]

10

The work is given by

X
qi qj
1 1
2 4o
|xi xj |

W =

i,j,i6=j

For this system,

W =

1 1
2 4o


q 2
q2
q2
+
=
| 2d|
|2d|
8o d

The difference between part d and e is that in d the image charge is being moved, and in e the image charge is
stationary. X
(f ) find the answer to part d in electron volts for an electron originally on angstrom from the surface.
In part d,
q2
16o d

W =
Then for this case

e 1.60 1019
= 3.60eV X
16 (8.85 1012 ) 1010

2.4

Problem 4: Jackson 2.2

Using the method of images, discuss the problem of a point charge q inside a hollow, grounded, conducting sphere of
inner radius a. Find
(a) the potential inside the sphere;
The potential is
(~
x) =

1
4o

q
q0
+
|~
x~
y|
|~
x~
y0 |

Now the boundary condition


(x = a) = 0 =

q/4o
q 0 /4o
+
a| n
+ y/a
n0 |
y0 | n
0 + a/y 0 n
|

This is identical to the charge on the outside of the sphere, because the magnitude is the concern. Therefore q 0 = q ay
and y 0 =

a2
.
y

Then the potential is

(~
x) =

1
4o

q
q0
+
|~
x~
y|
|~
x~
y0 |


X

(b) the induced surface-charge density;

The surface-charge density is given by
= o



x x=a

because it is opposite the normal to the inside. So

"
#
o q/4o
o q 0 /4o

=
+
x (x2 + y 2 2xy cos )1/2
(x2 + y 02 2xy 0 cos )1/2
"
#
q(1/2)(2x 2y cos )
q 0 (1/2)(2x 2y 0 cos )
1
=
+
4 (x2 + y 2 2xy cos )3/2
(x2 + y 02 2xy 0 cos )3/2
=

q
y 2 a2
X
4a (y 2 + a2 2ay cos )3/2

11

(c) the magnitude and direction of the force acting on q.

The separation between the charge and its image y y 0 , so the magnitude is
~| =
|F
=

q 2 ay
1
qq 0
1
=
4o (y y 0 )2
4o (y a2 )2
y
1
q 2 ay
4o (a2 y 2 )

The direction is radially towards the image charge, because it is attractive. X

(d) Is there any change in the solution if the sphere is kept at a fixed potential V ? If the sphere has a total charge
Q on its inner and outer surfaces?
Because this is inside of a sphere, there is no change if there is a fixed potential or a charge on the sphere. This is
due to spherical symmetry. The only change will be a constant,V , add to the potential


1
q0
q
(~
x) =
+
+V X
4o |~
x~
y|
|~
x~
y0 |

12

Chapter 3
Problem Set 3

3.1

Problem 1: Jackson 2.8

A two-dimensional potential is defined by two straight parallel line charges separated by a distance R with equal and
opposite linear charge densities and ,
(a) Show by direct construction that the surface of constant potential V is a circular (circle in the transverse
dimensions) and find the coordinates of the axis of the cylinder and its radius in terms of R, , and V .
The potential for a line charge is

r0
=V
ln
2o
r

(~r) =
Solving for r0 ,

 0 2
r
r

(3.1)

~ 2 . Now
= e4o V / . But from the geometry r02 = (~r R)
~ 2 = r2 e4o V /
r02 = r2 e4o V / (~r R)

From this
R
1 + e2o V /
R
=
1 e2o V /

rmin =
rmax
This yields a radius of radius =

R
.
2 sinh(2o V /)

Now the offset will be

rcenter =

~
R
e2o V /

The circle becomes with the axis of the cylinder in the z direction
~r +

!2

~
R
e2o V / 1


=

R
2 sinh (2o V /)

2
X

(b) Use the results of part a to show that the capacitance per unit length C of two right-circular conductors, with
radii a and b, separated by a distance d > a + b, is
C=

cosh1

2
 o

d2 a2 b2
2ab

In this case define d = R + d1 + d2 , where

d1 =

R
R
; d2 = V /
eV1 /
e 2

13

(3.2)

where V1 = 4o Va and V2 = 4o Vb . From the previous part the radii can be defined as
a=

ReV1 /
ReV1 /
;
b
=
eV1 / 1
eV1 / 1

Then
d2 a2 b2 =



R2 e(V1 V2 )/ + 1
(eV1 / 1) (eV2 / 1)

Then
2

d a b
=
2ab
(V1 V2 )/2




eV1 / 1 eV2 / 1

2R2 eV1 / eV2 /

(V1 V2 )/2

+e
2


= cosh



R2 e(V1 V2 )/ + 1

(eV1 / 1) (eV2 / 1)

V1 V2
2

Then the potential per length becomes

d2 a2 b2
= cosh
2ab

V1 V2
2

2 cosh1

d2 a2 b2
2ab


=

V1 V2

The capacitance per unit length becomes

C=



=
1 d2 a2 b2
V1 V2
2 cosh
2ab

=
2 cosh

3.2

2o


d2 a2 b2
2ab

 X

Problem 2: Jackson 2.10

A large parallel plate capacitor is made up of two plane conducting sheets with separation D, one of which has a small
hemispherical boss of radius a on its inner surface (D  a). The conductor with the boss is kept at zero potential,
and the other is at a potential such that far from the boss the electric field between the plates is Eo .
(a) Calculate the surface-charge densities at an arbitrary on the plane and on the boss, sketch their behavior as a
function of distance (or angle).
This is similar to a conducting sphere in an electric field, which from class is


a3
(r, ) = Eo r 2 cos
r
For 0 /2, the potential can be written in Cartesian coordinates
(x, y, z) = Eo z +

Eo a3 z
(x2 + y 2 + z 2 )3/2

The plate is


(x, y) = o Ez = o
z z=0
"
#
a3
= o Eo 1
(x2 + y 2 )3/2
For the case of the boss,


(r, ) = o Er = o
r r=a
= 3o Eo cos

14

Figure 3.1: /o Eo = 1 1/x3

(b) Show that the total charge on the boss has the magnitude 3o Eo a2 .
For the total charge on the boss is found from the integral over the area.
2

/2

3o Eo cos a2 sin dd

Q=
0

0
2

1
o Eo a2 d = 3o Eo a2 X
2

=
0

(c) If, instead of the other conducting sheet at a different potential, a point charge q is placed directly above the
hemispherical boss at a distance d from its center , show that the charge induced on the boss is


d2 a2
q 0 = q 1
d d2 + a2

(3.3)

The potential is
1
(~r) =
4o

"

q
~
|~r d|

qa/d
~
|~r a2 /dd|

q
~
|~r + d|

qa/d
~
|~r + a2 /dd|

Now in terms of r and


q
1

4o
r2 + d2 2rd cos
qa/d
q
p

2
2
2
2
2
2
r
+
d
+
2rd cos
r + (a /d) 2r(a /d) cos

qa/d
+p
r2 + (a2 /d)2 2r(a2 /d) cos

(r, ) =

Now the surface-charge density needs to be found



r r=a

q d2 a2
1
=
2
2
4 a2
(a + d 2ad cos )3/2

1

(a2 + d2 + 2ad cos )3/2

= o

15

So the induced charge on the boss is

q0 =

3.3

/2





q d2 a2
1
1

2a2 sin d
2
3/2
3/2
2
2
2
2
4
a
(a + d 2ad cos )
(a + d + 2ad cos )
0

 

qa2 d2 a2
1
1
1
1
1

=
+
2a
ad d a
a+d
a2 + d2
a2 + d2
"

#
2
2
d a
X
= q 1
d a2 + d2

Problem 3: Jackson 2.13

(a) Two halves of a long hollow cylinder of inner radius b are separated by a small lengthwise gap on each side, and
are kept at different potentials V1 and V2 . Show that the potential inside is given by
V1 + V2
V1 V2
(, ) =
+
tan1
2


2b
cos
b2 2

(3.4)

The starting point of this is Equation 2.71. In this case, the origin is located inside the cylinder, so bn = 0 to prevent
divergence at the origin. Equation 2.71 becomes
(, ) = a0 +

an n sin (n + n )

n=1

Here (, ) = (, ), so n = 0. For this case, a0

Z

3/2

(b, ) = 2a0 = V1 + V2 a0 =
/2

V1 + V2
2

Now for the remaining terms in the sum

3/2

cos n cos md = mn
/2

Then for
Z

3/2

V () cos md =
/2

an bn

3/2

cos n cos md = an bn mn
/2

The coefficients become

an =
=

V1
bn

/2

cos(n)d
/2

V2
bn

3/2

cos(n)d
/2

n+3
2(V1 V2 )
2(V1 V2 )
sin (n/2) =
(1) 2
bn
nbm

Because of s symmetry only odd values for n are allowed. The potential becomes
2(V1 V2 ) X  n in
cos(n)

b
n
n
!
X Zn
2(V1 V2 )
= i
iIm
where Z = i(/b)ei

(, ) = i

n odd

16

n odd

Zn
n

1
2

ln

1+Z 1
.
1Z

From Im ln(A + iB) = tan1 (B/A), then





1+Z
2b cos
Im ln
= tan1
1Z
b2 2
!


X Zn
2(V1 V2 )
2(V1 V2 )
2b cos
iIm
=
tan1
i

b2 2
n odd

Combining the two parts of the potential to find

(, ) =

2(V1 V2 )
V1 + V2
+
tan1
2

2b cos
b2 2


X

(b) Calculate the surface-charge density on each half of the cylinder

The surface-charge density


= o
=b
V1 V2
b2 + 2
b cos 4
2
2

b 2b + 4 + 42 b2 cos2
V1 V2
X
= o
b cos

= 2o

3.4

Problem 4: Jackson 2.23

A hollow cube has conducting walls defined by six planes x = 0, y = 0, z = 0, and x = a, y = a, z = a. The walls
z = 0 and z = a are held at a constant potential V . The other four sides are at zero potential.
(a) Find the potential (x, y, z) at any point inside the cube.
From class
(x, y, z)top =

Anm sin

 nx 
a

m=1 n=1

where =

Anm =

n 2
a

m 2
.
a

4
a2 sinh (nm a)

sin

 my 
a

sinh (mn z)

Following Equation 2.58

a

Z
dx

dyV sin

 nx 

sin

 my 
a

16V
, where m,n are both odd
2 nm sinh(nm a)

By symmetry the bottom has to be the same except for z a z. Therefore the bottom is
(x, y, z)bottom

odd
X

Anm sin

 nx 

n,m=1

sin

 my 
a

sinh (mn (a z))

The total potential is the sum of both top and bottom potential
top + bottom =

odd
X
n,m=1

Anm sin

 nx 
a

sin

 my 
a

[sinh (mn z) + sinh (mn (a z))] X

(b) Evaluate the potential at the center of the cube numerically, accurate to three significant figures. How many
terms in the series is it necessary to keep in order to attain this accuracy? Compare your numerical results
with the average value of the potential on the walls. See Problem 2.28.
1 Jackson

p74-5

17

To have three digits of accuracy, the first four terms need to be kept, which is
a a a

16V

(1)(1)(2 sinh( 2/2))

, ,
=
2
2 2 2
sinh( 2)

16V

+
(1)(1)(2 sinh( 10/2))
2
3 sinh( 10)

16V

+
(1)(1)(2 sinh( 10/2))
3 2 sinh( 10)

16V

+
(1)(1)(2 sinh(3 2/2))
2
9 sinh(3 2)
.3329V = .333V
From Problem 2.28 the potential should be

2
V
6

= .33
3V X

(c) Find the surface-charge density on the surface z = a.

The surface-charge density in the cube is given by


= o
z z=a
=

16o V
2
16o V
2
16o V
2

odd
X
n,m=1
odd
X
n,m=1
odd
X
n,m=1

Anm sin

 nx 
a

sin

 my 
a

[cosh (mn a) 1]

 nx 
 my   cosh ( a) 1 
1
mn
sin
sin
nm
a
a
sinh (mn a)
 nx 
 my 
 a
1
mn
sin
sin
tanh
X
nm
a
a
2

18

Chapter 4
Problem Set 4

4.1

Problem 1: Jackson 3.3

A thin, flat, conducting, circular disc of radius R is located is located in the x y plane with its center at the origin,
and is maintained at a fixed potential V . With the information that the change density on a disc at fixed potential
is proportional to (R2 2 )1/2 , where is the distance out from the center of the disc,
(a) show that for r > R the potential is
(r, , ) =

 2l

2V R X (1)l R
p2l (cos )
r
2l + 1 r
l=0

The surface charge is given by

() = p
R 2 2
The volume charge is found by consider a shell of radius r
Z 2
Z
dq = (r)2rdr =
d
0

d(cos )r2 drf (r)(cos )

1

(r)2rdr = 2r2 f (r)dr

(r)
(cos ).
r

The potential at the origin is

Z R
 r  R
1
2rdr

V = (0) =
=
sin1
4o 0 r R2 r2
2o
R 0

=
4o

The volume charge density is (r) =

The potential at any point becomes

(~
x) =

l
(cos 0 )r02 dr0 d0
1 4o V X X
1

Ylm (, ) l+1
r0l Ylm
(0 , 0 )
4o
r
r0 R2 r02
v
l=0 m=l

Solving the integral

Z RZ 1

(cos 0 )dr0 d(cos 0 )

V X
2

P
(cos
)
r0l+1 Pl (cos 0 )
l
2
l+1

r
R2 r02
0
1
l=0
Z

P (0) R r0l+1 dr0

2V X

=
Pl (cos ) l+1

r
R2 r 2
0
l=0

(~
x) =

(1)n (2n + 1)!! R2n+1 n!2n

2V X
P2n (cos )
n=0
2n n!
(2n + 1)!!r2n+1

19

(4.1)

Then
 2n+1

2V X (1)n R
P2n (cos ) X
(~
x) =
n=0 2n + 1 r
(b) find the potential for r < R.
To find the potential for inside the circular radius, use the boundary condition when r = R. The potential inside and
outside has to be equal, therefore
Al Rl =

2V (1)n
= Bl Rl1
2n + 1

where l = 2n. Then the equation for inside becomes

=

2V X (1)n  r 2n
P2n (cos ) X
n=0 2n + 1 R

(c) What is the capacitance of the disc?

The capacitance is given by C = Q/V . From part (a) V =
Z

Q=
0

.
4o

The charge is

p
R

2rdr = 2 R2 r2 0 = 2R
2
2
R r

The capacitance becomes

C=

2R
Q
= C = 8o R X
V
4
o

4.2

Problem 2: Jackson 3.6

Two point charges q and q are located on the z axis at z = +a and z = a, respectively.
(a) Find the electrostatic potential as an expansion in spherical harmonics and powers of r for both r > a and r < a.
From Equation 3.38

1
1

|~
x ~a|
|~
x + ~a|
" 
#
 l

l
r<
r<
q 1 X
=
Pl (cos )
Pl (cos( ))
4o r>
r>
r>

(~
x) =

q
4o

l=0

From equation Equation 3.57

=

l

q 1 X r<
4o r>
r>

l=0

4
(Yl0 (, ) Yl0 ( , ))
2l + 1

From parity of the spherical harmonics

l

q 1 X r<
(~
x) =
4o r>
r>
l=0


4 
1 + (1)l+1 Yl0 (, )
2l + 1

where r< is the smaller of mod[x, a] and r> is the larger of mod[x, a]. X
(b) Keeping the product qa p/2 constant, take the limit of a 0 and find the potential for r 6= 0. This is by
definition a dipole along the z axis and its potential.

20

So for a < r
=


4 
q 1 X  a l
1 + (1)l+1 Yl0 (, )
4o r
r
2l + 1
l=0

In the case a 0 only the first power of a are examined. The potential is then
r
q 1 a
4
=
(1 + 1) Y10 (, )
4o r r
2+1
r
 
3
q  a  4
=
(2)
cos
4o r2
3
4
p cos
=
X
4o r2
(c) Suppose now that the dipole of part b is surrounded by a grounded spherical shell of radius b concentric with
the origin. By linear superposition find the potential everywhere inside the shell.
The potential is then = d + s . Here only the Al terms because we are inside a sphere. Then

X
p cos
+
Al rl Pl (cos )
4o r2
l=0

At the boundary condition (b) = 0, then

0=

X
p cos
+
Al bl Pl (cos )
2
4o b
l=0

The only term needed is l = 1 because the dipole, so

p cos
4o b2
p
A1 =
4o b3

A1 b1 cos =

The potential then becomes

=

4.3

p cos
4o

1
f racrb3
r2


X

Problem 3: Jackson 3.10

For the cylinder in Problem 3.9 the cylindrical surface is made of two equal half-cylinder, one at potential V and the
other at potential V , so that
"
V for /2 < < /2
V (, z) =
(4.2)
V for /2 < < 3/2
(a) Find the potential inside the cylinder
From class
=

(An sin + Bn cos ) I

n =0

 n 
L

sin

 nz 
L

Fourier analyst can yield the coefficients. For An

Z L Z 2
 nz 
2 1
sin ddz
An =
V (, z) sin
L I 0 0
L

21

But this has two intervals from /2 to /2 and /2 to 3/2. In these intervals cosine is symmetric so An = 0.
Now for Bn
Z L Z 2
 nz 
2 1
V (, z) sin
Bn =
sin ddz
L I 0 0
L
RL
2L
over the two ranges, only the odd terms survive for . For the z component 0 sin (nz/L) dz = (2l+1)
, because
only odd terms survive from n, also. So Bn becomes




4(1)k
2L
2V
Bn =
(2l + 1)
2k + 1
LI2k+1
=

16V (1)k
X
(2k + 1)(2l + 1) 2 I2k+1

(b) Assuming L  b, consider the potential at z = L/2 as a function of and and compare it with two-dimensional
Problem 2.13.
From Jackson

I2k+1
and for small angles sin

(2l+1)
L

(2l + 1)
L


k+1
(2l + 1)
1

(2k + 2)
2L

(1)l . Then

X
l,k=0

 2k+1
16(1)k+l V
cos((2k + 1))
+ 1)(2k + 1) b

2 (2l

Using the identity

X (1)l

= tan1 (1) =
(1)2l+1
4
2l + 1
l=0

The potential becomes

=

4V X (1)k  2k+1
cos((2k + 1))

2k + 1 b
k=0

From problem 2.13




X
(1)k  2k+1
1
2b cos
cos((2k + 1)) = tan1
2k + 1 b
2
b2 2

k=0

The potential becomes

=



2V
2b cos
tan1
X

b2 2

22

Chapter 5
Problem Set 5

5.1

Problem 1: Jackson 3.17

The Dirichlet Green function for the unbounded space between the planes as z = 0 and z = L allows discussion of a
point charge or a distribution of charge between parallel conducting planes held at zero potential.
(a) Using cylindrical coordinates show that one form of the Green function is



 nz 
 n 
 n 
4 X X im(0 )
nz 0
G(x, x ) =
e
sin
sin
LIm
< Km
>
L n=1 m=
L
L
L
L
0

(5.1)

We know that
2 G(x, x0 ) =

4( 0 )
( )(z z 0 )
0

(5.2)

Then expanding the -functions




 nz  ( 0 )
4 X X im0 im
nz 0
sin
e
e
sin
L m= n=1
L
L
0





 nz 
X
X
0
nz 0 ( 0 ) im
4
e
sin
=
eim sin
0
L
L

L
m= n=1

2 G(x, x0 ) =

(5.3)

Now expanding the Green function

2 G(x, x0 ) = 2

X
X

eim sin

m= n=1

 nz 
L

where is the eigenfunction. Expanding the Laplacian




 nz 
X
X
1
m2
n2 2
2
0
G(x, x ) =

2
eim sin
2

L
L
m= n=1
Then equating equation 3 and equation 4


1
m2
n2 2
1

L2
eim0 sin
Then define gmn =



0 .
0
eim sin nz
L

nz 0
L

=

(5.4)

4 ( 0 )
L
0

From Equation 3.98 and 3.99 gmn = CIm (k< )Km (k> ) where k = n/L. Now

to find C


gmn 
4
gmn 
4
1
4

=
Eq3.147
= Ck
C=
0 +
0 
L
L
k
L
Now combining the above constant with gmn and equation 3 to find



 nz 
 n 
 n 
4 X X im im0
nz 0
G(x, x0 ) =
e
e
sin
< Km
> X
Im
sin
L m= n=1
L
L
L
L

23

(b) Show that an alternative form of the Green function is

Z

G(x, x0 ) = 2

m=

dk eim( ) Jm (k)Jm (k0 )

sinh(kz< ) sinh[k(L z> )]

sinh(kL)

(5.5)

Expanding equation 2 in and

2 G(x, x0 ) = 2

X
m=

X
m=

eim eim Jm (k0 )Jm (k)(z z 0 )kdk

i
0
2keim Jm (k0 )(z z 0 ) eim Jm (k)dk

(5.6)

Now expanding the Green function

Z

2 G(x, x0 ) = 2

m=

eim Jm (k)dk

where is the eigenfunction. Expanding the Laplacian


Z  2

X
m2
1

eim Jm (k)dk
2 G(x, x0 ) =
2
2
z

0
m=

Z  2

2
=

k
eim Jm (k)dk
2
z
0
m=

(5.7)

Equating equation 6 and 7, to find




2
1
2
= 2k(z z 0 )

k
im0
z 2
e
Jm (k0 )

Then gm,k = /eim Jm (k0 ), but the expansion of the -function in z is gm,k = C sinh(kz< ) sinh(k(L z> )). Now
finding C


gm,k 
gm,k 

= 2k
z 0 z+
z 0 z
kC [sinh(kz) cosh(k(L z)) + cosh(kz) sinh(k(L z))] = 2k kC sinh(kL) = 2k C =

2
sinh(kL)

Now combining the above equation with equation 6 and 7

Z

X
0
sinh(kz< ) sinh(k(L z>))
X
G(x, x0 ) = 2
eim eim Jm (k)Jm (k0 )
sinh(kL)
0
m=

5.2

Problem 2: Jackson 4.7

A localized distribution of charge has a charge density

(r) =

1 2 r
r e sin2
64

(5.8)

(a) Make a multipole expansion of the potential due to this charge density and determine all the nonvanishing
multipole moments. Write down the potential at large distance as a finite expansion in Legendre polynomials.
For Equation 4.1 to be solved first Equations 4.4-4.6 have to be solved. First notice that the charge density is
independent of , therefore m = 0. Now notice sin2 = 1 cos2 , because this is power 2, then l 2. Now beginning
with Y20
r
r
r




1
2 4
2
5
3
5
3
Y20 =
cos2
Y20 =
cos2 + 1
Y20 = sin2
4 2
2
4
2
3
5
3

24

Now the next term has no power of , so the next term would be from Y00 . Therefore
r
2
2 4
2
sin =
4Y00
Y20
3
3
5
Now using Equation 4.3
Z
1
2
1 4 r
1

4
r e sin drdd =
3
64
4
4 V
r
r
Z
5
2 4 1 6 r
30
1
r e sin3 drdd =
2 4 V 3
5 64
4
Back to Equation 4.1
(x) =

1
4o




6P2 (cos )
4 1 P0
P0
4 30 P2 (cos )
1

(x)
=
X
1 4 r
5 4
r3
4o r
r3

(b) Determine the potential explicitly at any point in space, and show that near the origin, correct to r2 inclusive,

(r) '

1
4o


1
r2

P2 (cos )
4
120

(5.9)

We know from Equation 4.2

Z

1 X 1

0
0 0l
0 3 0 Ylm (, )
(x) =
Ylm ( , )r (x )d x
o
2l + 1
rl+1
l,m

Looking ahead to the deserved solution and combined with the previous part only l = 0, 2 and m = 0 will be considers.
Then
"
#
r
Z
Z
r2 1
1 3 r
2 4
1 2
r
4Y00
r e dr
Y20
re dr
(x) =
o 3
64
3
5
5 0 64
0
"
#
r r
5 r2 P2 (cos ) 1
1 2
P0 1
2 4
=
4
6
1
o 3
3
5
4
5
64
4 64


1 P0
r2
=

P2 (cos )
o 16
480


1
r2
1

P2 (cos ) X
=
4o 4
120
(c) If there exists at the origin a nucleus with a quadrupole moment Q = 1028 m2 , determine the magnitude of
the interaction energy, assuming that the unit of charge in (r) above is the electronic charge and the unit of
length is the hydrogen Bohr radius ao = 4o /me2 = 0.529 1010 m. Express your answer as a frequency by
dividing by Plancks constant h.
The quadrupole interaction energy is given in Equation 4.24
W =

1 XX
Ej
Qij
(0)
6 i j
xi

(5.10)

But as it has been shown earlier that m = 0 so the only terms that remain are i = j, but the trace has to be 0, which
is


eQ 1 Ex
1 Ey
Ez
W =
+

6
2 x
2 y
z




eQ 1
3 Ez
eQ 1
3 Ez
=
E
=

6
2
2 z
6
2 o
2 z

25

At the origin (0) =, so the first term drops out, so the energy is then W =
transferred into Cartesian coordinates. So for the quadrupole term
(x) =

eQ 2
.
4 z 2

Now the potential has to be

1
1
r2 P2 (cos ) (x) =
2z 2 x2 y 2
480o
960o

from Merzbacher Quantum Mechanics. So

2
z 2

1
,
240o

W =

then the quadrupole term becomes

e2 Q
960o a3o

Then the frequency is

e2 Q
W
=
= 0.98 MHz X
h
960o ha3o

26

Chapter 6
Problem Set 6

6.1

Problem 1: Jackson 4.9

A point charge q is located in free space a distance d from the center of a dielectric sphere of radius a (a < d) and
dielectric constant /o .
(a) Find the potential at all points in space as an expansion in spherical harmonics.
Inside the sphere D = 0, because there is no charge inside
(r, ) =

Al rl Pl (cos )

r<a

l=0

For outside the sphere, there are two regions, a < r < d and r < d, which will dictate the expansion of 1/|x x0 , ie
what is r< and r> . Then the outside region will be
(r, ) =


X
Bl r(l+1) Pl (cos ) +
l=0

1
q
4o |x x0 |

Using the typical spherical expansion for 1/|x x0 , the expression for all space is
(r, ) =
P
Al rL Pl (cos )
l=0 

P
q
(l+1)
rl
Pl (cos )
B
r
+
l
l+1
l=0
4o d

P 
q
(l+1)
dl
+ 4o rl+1 Pl (cos )
l=0 Bl r

r<a
a<r<d
r>d

This is the potential in terms of Lagrange Polynomials, so in Spherical Harmonics

(r, ) =
P q 2l+1
Al rL Yl,0 (, )
r<a
l=0
4
q


P
q
(l+1)
2l+1
rl
Bl r
+ 4o dl+1 Yl,0 (, ) a<r<d
l=0
4

P q 2l+1 
q
dl
Yl,0 (, ) r>d
Bl r(l+1) + 4
l+1
l=0
4
r
o
Now to find the coefficients. Using the normal boundary condition


 

=
o r r=a
r r=a+

lqal1
lAl al1 = (l + 1)Bl a(l+2) +
o
4o dl+1


(l + 1)
o
q
Al =

Bl a(2l+1) +

l
4o dl+1

27

(6.1)

(6.2)

(6.3)

The other boundary condition is for tangential component





=
r=a
r=a+
Al al = Bl a(l+1) +

al
q
4o dl+1

Then the coefficients can easily be found from equation 3 and 4



2l + 1
q
1
Al =
/o + (l + 1)/l
l
4o dl+1


qa2l+1
1

Bl =
1
/o + (l + 1)/l
o 4o dl+1

(6.4)

(6.5)
(6.6)

Combining equations 5 and 6 into equation 1 yields the potential at every point in space. X
(b) Calculate the rectangular components of the electric field near the center of the sphere.
Expanding the potential inside the sphere
(r, ) = A1 rP1 (cos ) + A2 r2 P2 (cos ) + . . .
From Quantum Mechanics, rP1 (cos ) = z and r2 P2 (cos ) = z 2 x2 + y 2 , then the potential becomes
"
#


5 z 2 x2 y 2
3z
q
+
+ ...
(x, y, z) =
4o (/o + 2)d2
2(2/o + 3)d3
R
So then Ei = dxi . Then the component in Cartesian space


q
5
x
Ex =
+
.
.
.
4o d2 2/o + 3 d


q
5
y
Ey =
+
.
.
.
4o d2 2/o + 3 d


q
5
3
z
Ez =
+
+
.
.
.
X
4o d2 /o + 2
2/o + 3 d
(c) Verify that, in the limit /o , your result is the same as that for the conducting sphere.
Examining equation 2, the equation would blow-up if Al 6= 0, therefore Al = 0. This is the same for the conductor.
Then from that and equation 4,
Bl =

q a2l+1
4o dl+1

which is the same as a conduction sphere. X

6.2

Problem 2: Jackson 4.10

Two concentric conducting spheres of inner and outer radii a and b , respectively, carry charges Q. The empty
space between the spheres is half-filled by a hemispherical shell of dielectric (of dielectric constant /o ), as shown in
the figure.1
(a) Find the electric field everywhere between the spheres.
Lets assume that E rr3 . Using Gausss Law for a sphere between the two spheres:
I
D da = Q
2r2 (o E(r) E(r)) = Q
Q
r
= E(r)
2(o + ) r3
Now checking the conditions on the solution. The curl of the electric field is obviously 0. The divergent of the field
does yield the charge density. By the uniqueness theorem, this is the correct solution. X
1 Jackson.

pg 174

28

(b) Calculate the surface-charge distribution of the inner sphere.

From Equation 4.40, in particular n ((D2 D1 ) = free . The half without the dielectric is
free = r D(a) =
r

r
Qo
Qo
=
a2 2(o + )
2a2 (o + )

Now for part with the dielectric is directly

free =

Q
X
2a2 (o + )

(c) Calculate the polarization-charge density induced on the surface of the dielectric at r = a
The electric polarization is given by P = ( o )E. Because in the free space  = o , the electric polarization for the
n (P1 P2 ).
free space is P = 0. Therefore pol = 0 for the free space half. Now, the polarization density is pol =
For the dielectric part
pol =
r P(a) =
r
pol =

6.3

( o )Q
2a2 (o + )

r ( o )Q
a2 2(o + )
X

Problem 3: Distressed Simple Cubic

Repeat the analysis of section 4.5 for a cubic crystal which is subjected to a stress such that the lattice separation is
elongated along one edge of the cube (the x axis) and contracted along the other cube edges (the y and z axes) by
the amounts
ax = a(1 + )


1
ay,z = a 1
2

(6.7)
(6.8)

where a is the unstressed cubic lattice spacing. Find the susceptibility for two cases, considering that the molecular
polarizabilty mol is a constant scalar (Hint: Calculate Enear at a particular dipole by considering only the 6 nearest
dipoles in the cubic lattice):
(a) An electric field applied parallel to the x axis
The polarization is given on page 161 in Jackson as P = N hpmol i and also hpmol i = o mol (E + Ei ) From the
P
previous page Equation 4.63, Ei = 3
+ Enear . All that remains is to find Enear . From Equation 4.64:
Enear =

3
n(
n p) p
r3

29

(6.9)

Considering the six nearest neighbors, which occur from the shape(from class notes):
3
n(
npi ) pi
a3i
2px
2px
4px
Ex = 3 3 3
ax
ay
az
4py
2py
2py
Ey = 3 3 3
ay
ax
az
4pz
2pz
2pz
Ez = 3 3 3
az
ax
ay
Ei =

Now using the values for the expansion of the nearest neighbors and the fact that < 1 and the binomial expansion.


2px
4px
4px
2px
4px
3
18px

=
Ex = 3

(1

3)

1
+

= 3
(6.10)

3

3
a (1 + )3
a3
a3
2
a
a3 1 21
a3 1 21


4py
2py
2py
2py
3
2py
9py
Ey =

=
1
+

3 (1 3) = 3
(6.11)

3

3
3 (1 + )3
3
1
1
3
3
a
a
2
a
a
a 1 2
a 1 2


4pz
3
2pz
2pz
2pz
2pz
9pz
Ez =

(6.12)

3 3

3 = 3 1 + 3 (1 3) = 3
3
1
1
3
3
a
(1
+
)
a
2
a
a
a 1 2
a 1 2
So now Enear known. To simplify the problem, the fact that P = o E can be used. Since Ey = Ez = 0, then
Py = Pz = 0. So only Px is needed.

 



18
18
1
N mol
Px 1 + N mol 3 o
Px = N mol o Ex
Px = N mol o Ex + o 3 +
a
3o
a
3


18
N mol
N mol
1 + N mol 3 o
X
o Ex = N mol o Ex =
a
3
1 13 N mol + a183 N mol o
(b) An electric field applied parallel to the y axis.
For an electric field in the y direction. As above, P = o E, then Ex = Ez = Px = Pz = 0. So only Enear for the y
direction is needed. Then

 



9
9
1
N mol
Py 1 N mol 3 o
Py = N mol o Ey
Py = N mol o Ey + o
+
a3
3o
a
3


9
N mol
N mol
1 N mol 3 o
o Ey = N mol o Ey =
X
a
3
1 13 N mol a93 N mol o

30

Chapter 7
Problem Set 7

7.1

Problem 1: Jackson 4.13

Two long, cylindrical conducting surfaces of radii a and b are lowered vertically into a liquid dielectric. If the liquid
rises an average height h between the electrodes when a potential difference V is established between them, show
that the susceptibility of the liquid is


b2 a2 gh ln(b/a)
e =
(7.1)
o V 2
where is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and the susceptibility of air is neglected.
The first thing to find is the electric field between the cylinders. There is no charge between the cylinders, so 2 = 0.
From the symmetry of the problem, cylindrical coordinates are the proper choice, Further there is radial symmetry,
so there is no polar coordinate. So the Laplacian is


1

r
=0
(7.2)
r r
r
The familiar solution is
(r) = A ln (r/B)
Now the boundary condition that the difference of the two cylinders is V or more exact
(b) (a) = A ln(b/a) = V A =

V
ln(b/a)

So the electric field is

E=

V
r

rE=
r
ln(b/a) r

Now that the electric field is known, the electric displacement is simply D = E for inside the liquid, and for above
the liquid, the electric displacement is D = o E. The work to raise the liquid is
Z z

Z
Z
Z l
1
1 b
W =
E Dd3 x =
2rdr
E2 dz +
o E2 dz
2
2 a
d
z
where d is the length in the liquid and l is the length above. The work is then
Z z

Z
Z l
1 b
V 2
2rdr
E2 dz +
E2 dz =
( (z + d) + o (l z))
W =
2 a
ln(b/a)
d
z
From Equation 4.102, the force needed to left the liquid is


( o ) V 2
W
Fz =
=
z V
ln(b/a)

31





Now finding the volume of liquid that has been lifted is b2 a2 h. The mass is then m = b2 a2 h. At
equilibrium, the force of gravity is equal to the force of the electric field.


2
2


(/o 1) V 2
( o ) V 2 b a h
=
b2 a2 h =
ln(b/a)
o
ln(b/a)
The susceptibility is defined as e = /o 1. Then




b2 a2 gh ln(b/a)
b2 a2 h
e V 2
=
e =
o V 2
o
ln(b/a)

32

Chapter 8
Problem Set 8

8.1

Problem 1: Jackson 5.2

A long, right cylindrical, ideal solenoid of arbitrary cross section is created by stacking a large number of identical
current-carrying loops one above the other, with N coils per unit length and each loop carrying a current I.
(a) In the approximation that the solenoidal coil is an ideal current sheet and infinitely long, use Problem 5.1 to
establish that any point outside the coil that H = 0, and that any point inside the coil the magnetic field is
axial and equal to
H = NI

(8.1)

This can be solved using two ampere loops. Placing a loop outside the cylinder, it yields B = 0. Placing a second
loop through a side of the surface perpendicular to the bottom surface. So
I
B dl = o Ienc
From the first loop that was outside the cylinder, the induced magnetic field outside is 0. This means that the only
field is inside the cylinder. The integral becomes
I
B dl = o Ienc BL = o N IL
Using right hand rule, Bz = o N I. In this system M = 0, then H = B/o , therefore Bz = o N I H = N I. X
(b) For a realistic solenoid of circular cross section of radius a (N a  1), but still infinite in length, show that the
smoothed magnetic field just outside the solenoid (averaged axially over several turns) is not zero, but is the
same in magnitude and direction as that of a single wire on the axis carrying a current I, even if N a .
Compare fields inside and out.
In a real solenoid, it is not simple current loops stacked on each other. There is a little bind in the loop to connect
the loops. This means there is a current in the vertical direction. So what is the current? This can be found by the
fact the total current moves up 1/N each loop. In each loop there is I/N in the vertical direction, so over a unit
length there is N loops, so the amount of vertical current is then N I/N = I. Therefore this current in the vertical
direction
I
B dl 2B = o I B =

o I
2

This is the same as a wire along the z-axis. As the number of loops increase per unit length, the more ideal
it will become. The size of inside is many orders of magnitude large than the field outside. To be more exact,
o N I/(o I/2) 2N . So the field inside is 2N times larger. The directions of the two are perpendicular to
each other. X

33

8.2

Problem 2: Semi-Infinite Cylinder

Consider a semi-infinite solenoid, which we idealize as a cylindrical current sheet of radius a and azimuthal current
K per unit length, with one end at the origin and the other end at - along the z-axis.
(a) Use the Biot-Savart Law to show that the magnetic induction on the axis is
"
#
o K
z
Bz =
1
2
(a2 + z 2 )1/2

(8.2)

Lets begin by thinking of a single current loop at the origin. The magnetic-flux density is
I
dl x
o I
Bz =
4
|x|3
Because this has to end the z direction, x = a cos
+ a sin + z z, |x|3 = a2 + z 2
a cos + 0
z . Then
Z 2


1
o I
Bz =
az cos + az sin + a2 d
4 (a2 + z 2 )3/2 0
=

3/2

, and dl = a sin
+

a2
o I
z
2 (a2 + z 2 )3/2

Now this has to be integrated from start to finish of the cylinder remembering that I K
Z 0
o a2 K
dz
z
Bz =
2
2
(a
+
z 2 )3/2


0


o a2 K
z
o K

=
z
=
z cos 
1/2 
2
2
2
2
(a + z )
1

where is the angle that the origin makes with the edge at the end of the cylinder and cos =
"
#
z
o K
1
Bz =
2
(a2 + z 2 )3/2

(a2 +z2 )3/2

, then

(b) Use a Taylor series expansion of the field near the axis together with B = 0 and B = 0 to show that the
magnetic induction near the axis is
a2
o K
4 (a2 + z 2 )3/2
"
#
o K
z
3
a2 z2
Bz
1

2
4 (a2 + z 2 )5/2
(a2 + z 2 )1/2

(8.3)
(8.4)

The two conditions, B and B, lead to Laplaces Equation 2 mag = 0 and B = mag . From electrostatics,
mag = R()Z(z)Q(). The radial solutions are the Bessel and Neumann functions. Then
mag = (AJ (k) + BN (k)) Cekz Dei
From symmetry, = 0 and as 0 has to be well define B = 0. Then mag = CJ0 (k)ekz . Then the induced
field is



B = mag =
+ z
mag

z
Jo (x) kx
= Ck
e
+ CkJo (k)ekz z
x

34

From Arfkens book,

Jo (x)
x

= J1 (x)1 . Expanding the two terms2 ,



k
k 3 3
B = CkJ1 (k)ekz Ckekz

2
16


2 2
k

Bz = CkJ0 (k)ekz Ckekz 1

4

Now, Bz (0, z) = Ckekz , this has to be the case, because it has to be continuous. It follows that
(1)n Ckn+1 ekz . With this substitution,
 
k
Bz (0, z)
B Ckekz

2
2
z


2 2
k

2 2 Bz (0, z)
Bz Ckekz 1
Bz (0, z)
4
4
z

n Bz (0,z)
z n

Using Bz from part one finally

#
"
o K
a2
o K
z
B
1
3/2
2 z 2
4 (a2 + z 2 )3/2
(a2 + z 2 )
"
#
"
"
##
o K
z
2 2 o K
z
Bz
1

2
4 z
2
(a2 + z 2 )3/2
(a2 + z 2 )3/2
"
#
o K
z
3
a2 z2
Bz
1

X
1/2
2
2
2
2
4
(a + z )
(a + z 2 )5/2
B

8.3

Problem 3: Jackson 5.6

A cylindrical conductor of radius a has a hole of radius b bored parallel to, and centered a distance d from, the
cylinder axis (d + b < a). The current density is uniform throughout the remaining metal of the cylinder and is
parallel to the axis. Use Amp`eres law and principle of linear superposition to find the magnitude and the direction
of the magnetic-flux density in the hole.
From the hint to use superposition, we will first find the magnetic-flux density for the cylindrical conductors. For the
one with radius a applying Amp`eres law in the form of Equation 5.24
Z
I
B dl = o
J nda
S

B2r2 = o Jr2 B =

o
Jr
z r
2

Now for the hole, it has to be the same except that it has a different coordinate system, that is related by a linear
transformation, directly B0 = 2o J 0 r0 z r0 , because this is a hole the current density is in the opposite direction,
J 0 = J. Next is relating r
r to r0 r0 . Defining the center of the hole on the y-axis of the cylinder, the relationship
0 0
is r r = r
r + d
y . Now linear superposition can be used to find
Bf inal = B + B0 =
=

8.4

o
J z (r
r r
r d
y)
2

o
o Jd
Jd
z (
y ) Bf inal =
x

2
2

Problem 4: Jackson 5.13

A sphere of radius a carries a uniform surface-charge distribution . The sphere is rotated about a diameter with
constant angular velocity . Find the vector potential and magnetic-flux density both inside and outside the sphere.
1 Arfken.
2 Arfken.

MMP 5th ed. pg.673

MMP 5th ed. pg.670

35

The surface current is J~ = ~v = (~

~r0 ) = a sin 0 (r0 a)0 . The surface current is then related to l = 1 and
m = 1 only, because of the sine term. The

36

vector potential is then

Z
o X Pl1 (cos )
rl <
a(r0 a) l+1 Pl1 (cos 0 )r02 sin2 0 dr0 d0 d
4
l(l + 1)
r>
l
1
3 l Z
X
Pl (cos ) a r<
o
Pl1 (cos 0 )P11 (cos ) sin 0 d0
=
l+1
2
l(l + 1)
r
0
>
l

A (r, ) =

=
=

4
o a3 r< 1
P1 (cos )
2
4
r>
3

o a3 r<
sin
2
3r>

Now for the magnetic field, B = A. This needs to be done for the interior (a > r) and exterior (a < r). The vector
sin
1
1
potential interior is Aint = o ar sin . The vector potential for exterior is Aext (r, ) = o a4 2 So
3
3
r
for the interior



 o a
1 o ar2 sin
1
sin2
Bint (r, ) = r
r sin
3
r r
3
h
i
2
r sin
Bint (r, ) = o a cos
3
Now for the exterior
1

r sin

o a4
sin2
3r2

1

r r
i
1 o a4 h
2 cos
r + sin
Bext (r, ) =
X
3
3 r

Bext (r, ) = r

37

o a4 sin 1
3
r

38

Chapter 9
Problem Set 9

9.1

Problem 1: Jackson 5.17

A current distribution J(x) exists in a medium of unit relative permeability adjacent to a semi-infinite slab of material
having relative permeability r and filling the half space, z < 0.
(a) Show that for z > 0 the magnetic induction ca be calculated by replacing the medium of permeability r by an
image current distribution, J , with components,
r 1

r + 1

r 1

Jx (x, y, z),

r + 1

!
Jy (x, y, z),

r 1
r + 1

!
Jz (x, y, z)

(9.1)

The field z > 0 is

o
4

B=

(J + J )

(x x0 ) 3 0
d x
|x x0 |3

(9.2)

The field z < 0 is

B=

o
4

Z
J

(x x0 ) 3 0
d x
|x x0 |3

(9.3)

At the boundary of z = 0, the normal component of the field must be continuous, so above
Bz+ (z) =

o
4

Z (Jx + J )(y y 0 ) (Jy + J )(x x0 )

x+
y+
d3 x0

3/2
2
2
(x x0 ) + (y y 0 ) + z 02

below
Bz (z) =

o
4

Jx (y y 0 ) Jy (x x0 )
3 0

3/2 d x
2
2
0
0
02
(x x ) + (y y ) + z

Then Bz+ (z) = Bz (z). Therefore

Jx (z) + Jx+ (z) = Jx (z)

(9.4)

Jy+ (z)

(9.5)

Jy (z) +

Jy (z)

Now for the tangential components of the magnetic field must be continuous, and H = B/. So for above
Z
z 0 (Jy + Jy+ ) (y y 0 )(Jz + Jz+ ) 3 0
1
Hx+ (z) =
d x
4
((x x0 )2 + (y y 0 )2 + z 02 )3/2
Z
(x x0 )(Jz + Jz+ ) + z 0 (Jx + Jx+ ) 3 0
1
Hy+ (z) =
d x
4
((x x0 )2 + (y y 0 )2 + z 02 )3/2
Below
Hx (z) =

1
4r

Hy (z) =

1
4r

z 0 (Jy ) (y y 0 )(Jz )

((x x0 )2 + (y y 0 )2 + z 02 )3/2
Z
(x x0 )(Jz ) + z 0 (Jx )
((x x0 )2 + (y y 0 )2 + z 02 )3/2

39

d3 x0
d3 x0

From H+ = H
r Jz (z) + r Jz+ (z) = Jz (z)

(9.6)

r Jy (z) r Jy+ (z) = Jy (z)

(9.7)

r Jx (z) r Jx+ (z) = Jx (z)

(9.8)

From eq 4 and 7, and eq 5 and 8

Jx+ (z) =

r 1
Jx (z)
r + 1

Jx (z) =

2r
Jx (z)
r + 1

(9.9)

Jy+ (z) =

r 1
Jy (z)
r + 1

Jy (z) =

2r
Jy (z)
r + 1

(9.10)

Now for the z components.

J = 0 =

Jy
Jx
Jz
2r
+
+
=
x
y
z
r + 1

Jy
Jx
+
x
y


+ r

2r Jz
(Jz + Jz+ ) =
+ r
(Jz + Jz+ )
z
r + 1 z
z

Then solving and integrating

r 1
r + 1

Z
Jz =

Jz+

r 1
Jz (z) = Jz+ (z)
r + 1

(9.11)

From equations 9, 10, 11 for J+ matches equation 1. X

(b) Show that for z < 0 the magnetic induction appears to be due to a current distribution [2r /(r + 1)]J in a
medium of unit relative permeability.
Combining equation 6 with equation 11 to find
Jz (z) =

2r
Jz (z)
r + 1

(9.12)

Adding equation 12 with the J parts of equations 9, 10 to find that J = [2r /(r + 1)]J X

9.2

Problem 2: Jackson 5.19

A magnetically hard material is in the shape of a right circular cylinder of length L and radius a. The cylinder has
a permanent magnetization Mo , uniform throughout its volume and parallel to its axis.
(a) Determine the magnetic field H and magnetic induction B at all points on the axis of cylinder, both inside and
outside.
Because there is no free current, this is a magnetostatic potential problem. This problem then can be treated as an
electrostatic problem. Because the magnetization is uniform, M = M = 0. The surface charge density is then
M = n
M = Mo at the caps. The potential is then
Z
1
M
M =
d3 x0
4
|x x0 |
This is evaluated at the caps only. Then
Z

q
a
Mo
2d
q
=
2 + (z L/2)2
2
0
2 + (z L/2)2
0
q

q
Mo
=
a2 + (z L/2)2 (z L/2)2
2

1 =

Mo
4

This can easily be show for the bottom with symmetry that
q

q
Mo
2 =
a2 + (z + L/2)2 (z + L/2)2
2

40

The potential over all space is = 1 + 2 .

=

v
u
Mo u
t
a2 +
2

!2

v
u
u
ta2 +

L
z+

!2





L
L 


 + z +

z



2
2

The magnetic field has two cases, one inside

Hz =

Mo
z + L/2
z L/2

Hz =
q
2
q
2
2
2
2
2
a + (z + L/2)
a + (z L/2)

And outside

Hz =

z + L/2
Mo
z L/2

q
q

2
a2 + (z + L/2)2
a2 + (z L/2)2

Now the induced field is Bz = o (Hz + M ). In this case, M = Mo inside and M = 0 outside. Then the induced field
both inside and outside is

z L/2
o M o
z + L/2

q
Bz =

q
2
2
2
2
2
a + (z + L/2)
a + (z L/2)

(b) Plot the ratios B/o Mo and H/Mo on the axis as functions of z for L/a = 5.
See last page

9.3

Problem 3: Jackson 5.22

Show that in general a long, straight bar of uniform cross-sectional area A with uniform lengthwise magnetization M ,
when placed with its flat end against as infinitely permeable flat surface, adheres with a force given approximately
by
F '

o
AM 2
2

(9.13)

Relate your discussion to the electrostatic considerations in Section 1.11.

So consider this as two long straight bars with uniform cross-sectional areas A with uniform magnetization, M . One
rod runs from z = 0 to z = L and the other from z = 0 to z = L. These two dipoles are head to tail, so
the components of the B-field cancel everywhere except at z = 0. Now, lets introduce a small separation zo . The
potential energy on the real rod from the image rod is
Z
Z
W (zo ) = M Bi d3 x = M
Bz,i d3 x
V

Because the image rod is not moved and the rod is much longer than it is any other direction
Z
Z zo +L
W (zo ) = M
Bz,i d3 x M A
Bz,i (z)dz
V

zo

The force from the change in the vertical separation


dW (zo ) 
= M A(Bz,i (L) Bz,i (0))
Fz =
dzo zo =0
From the previous problem, if the shape is circular, which is not that bad of an approximation, the induced field is
!
o M
z+L
z
p
Bz,i (z) =

2
a2 + z 2
a2 + (z + L)2

41

Figure 9.1: H/Mo =

1
2

z/L+1/2
1/25+(z/L+1/2)2

z/L1/2
1/25+(z/L1/2)2


-0 |z/L| > 1/2 or1 |z/L| 1/2

The force becomes

Fz =

Now the condition that a  L,

o M 2 A
2

Fz =


L
L
2L

+0
a2 + 4L2
a2 + L2
a2 + L2

o M 2 A
2

Now comparing the problem with 1.11. From the previous problem inside the rod, M = M on the end above the
plain, and M = M below the plain. So

o M
inside
Bz =
0
outside
Because of the constant induced field, this is similar to a constant electric field. In fact, the magnetic potential is
similar to the electric potential of plane capacitors with E /o o M . To create a capacitor, lets separate the real
rod, which is the one above the plane, and the image rod. Now on page 43, F/A = 2 /2o for a capacitor. Then
o
2
2
F/A = M
2o /2o F/A = o M
/2. Finally the value of M , F/A = o M 2 /2 F =
AM 2
2

42

Figure 9.2: B/o Mo =

1
2

z/L+1/2
1/25+(z/L+1/2)2

43

z/L1/2
1/25+(z/L1/2)2

44

Chapter 10
Problem Set 10

10.1

Problem 1: Jackson 5.14

A long, hollow, right circular cylinder of inner (outer) radius a (b), and of relative permeability r , is placed in a
region of initially uniform magnetic-flux density Bo at right angles to the field. Find the flux density at all points
in space, and sketch the logarithm of the ratio of the magnitudes of B on the cylinder axis to Bo as a function of
log10 r for a2 /b2 = 0.5, 0.1. Neglect end effects.
Because there are no end effects, this problem can be reduced to a two dimensional problem. With the z-axis the
length of the cylinder and the Bo in the x-direction. With those being set, this is much like the problem done
in class. So B = (H) = 0 and for inside and outside H = 0. The solution is H = m where

P
P
= ao + bo ln +
an n (cos n + sin n) +
bn n (cos n + sin n). All that remains is to solve for the
n=1

n=1

coefficients. By symmetry the sine terms can be dropped. For > b, an = 0, and for < a, bn = 0. So the potential
is
( P n cos n
n


Pn=1

n n cos n + n n cos n
m (, ) =
Pn=1

n
cos n
n=1 n

<a
a<<b
>b

H has to be continuous at the boundaries. At = b, the differential with respect to the radial is



X
X
Bo
cos +
n n bn1 n b(n+1) cos n
nb(n+1) n cos n = r
o
n=1
n=1

From this n = 1, so
Bo
+ 1 b2 = r 1 + r 1 b2
o

(10.1)

The tangential continuation at = b

Bo
+ 1 b2 = 1 + 1 b2
o

(10.2)

Likewise at = a
1 = r 1 r 1 a2
2

1 = 1 + 1 a

(10.3)
(10.4)

Reducing the number of coefficients in equations 1 and 2

(r 1) 2 (r + 1) Bo
1 b
2r
2r o
(1 r ) Bo 2
(r + 1)
1 =
1 +
b
2r
2r o

1 =

45

(10.5)
(10.6)

Doing the same with equations 3 and 4

(r + 1)
1
2r
(r 1)
1 =
1 a2
2r

1 =

(10.7)
(10.8)

Now combining equations 5 and 7

(r 1) 2 Bo
1 b
(r + 1)
o

(10.9)

(r + 1)
b2 Bo
1 a2 2
(r 1)
a o

(10.10)

1 =
Now for equations 6 and 8
1 =
Equating 9 and 10



2r 1 b2
a2
Bo 2
1 = 1 2
b
b
(r + 1)2 b2 (r 1)2 a2 o

(10.11)

With equation 9 and 11

1 =

Bo
4r b2
2 2
2 2
(r + 1) b (r 1) a o

(10.12)

Placing equation 12 into equation 7 and also equation 8

1 =

2 (r + 1) b2
Bo
2 2
2 2
(r + 1) b (r 1) a o

(10.13)

1 =

2 (r 1) b2
Bo 2
a
(r + 1)2 b2 (r 1)2 a2 o

(10.14)

Now the field is

(
H=


+

1 cos

1 sin
1
1
1 2 cos
+ 1 + 2 sin





1
1
Bo
Bo
o + 2 sin

+ 2 cos
o

<a
a<<b
>b

See last page for graph X

10.2

Problem 2: Jackson 5.27

A circuit consists of a long thin conducting shell of radius a and a parallel return wire of radius b on axis inside. Of
the current is assumed distributed uniformly throughout the cross section of the wire, calculate the self-inductance
per unit length. What is the self-inductance if the inner wire is a thin tube?
First lets apply Amperes law
Z
B dl = o Ienc
So quickly, B is
(
B=

o I
2 b2
o I 1
2

46

<b
b<<a
>a

(10.15)

The energy of the magnetic field per length of the system is given by Eq. 5.148
Z
Z
1
1
H Bd3 x =
B 2 d3 x
W =
2
2o

2 Z b 3

Z a
2 o I
d
d
=
+
2o 2
b4

0
b

2 
 a 
a

o I
1
o I 2 
=
+ ln
=
4 ln
+1
o 2
4
b
16
b
From Eq. 5.152, W = 12 LI 2 . The self-inductance per unit length is
a

a

o I 2 
o I 2 
1 2
LI =
4 ln
+1 L=
4 ln
+1
2
16
b
8
b

Now if the inner wire is a tube B = 0 for < b, so there is only the middle term which yields a self-inductance per
unit length of
o  a 
L=
ln
X
2
b

10.3

Problem 3: Jackson 5.29

The figure (See Jackson pg. 232) represents a transmission line consisting of two, parallel perfect conductors of
arbitrary, but constant, cross section. Current flows down one conductor and returns via the other.
Show that the product of the inductance per unit length L and the capacitance per unit length C is
LC = 

(10.16)

where and  are the permeability and the permittivity of the medium surrounding the conductors.
First using Amperes Law for outside the wires
Z
B dl = I B =
But inside the wire B = 0. The vector potential is
Z
Z
Az = B d =

I
2

I
I
d Az =
ln
2
2

where o = a, b. The work per unit length can be found from Eq. 5.149
Z
Z
1
1
W =
J Ad3 x =
(Ja Adaa + Jb Adab )
2
2
Z a
 
 

Z b
d
d
1 I
2I
2I
ln

d
+
ln

d
=
a
a
b
b
2
2
2 2
b
a
0 a
0 b
 2
 


b2 I
1 I a I
d
d
=
ln
+
ln
2 2 a2
b
b2
a
 2
I 2
d
=
ln
4
ab
Relating this to the self-inductance per unit length
1 2
I 2
LI =
ln
2
4

d2
ab


L=

ln
2

d2
ab

From the second problem 1.7, the capacitance is

C=
ln

2
 

47

d2
ab

(10.17)

Then

ln
2

LC =

d2
ab


ln

2
  LC = 
2
d
ab

Capacitance The electric field for a wire is given by

Q r
2o r

~ =
E
The potential between the two wire is
Z
=

The capacitance is given by C =

Q
.

Q
2o

Q
2o

Z

da2


Z da1
dr
dr
+
r
r
a
a2
 
1


d a2
d a1
ln
+ ln
a1
a2
 

(d a2 ) (d a1 )
ln
a1 a2

~ d~l =
E

Q
2o

Then
C=

Q
=

Q
Q
2o

ln

(da2 )(da1 )
a1 a2

i

2o

=
ln

(da2 )(da1 )
a1 a2

Since the distance between the wires is much large than their radii, d a1 d a2 d. Then capacitance reduces to
C
ln

2
 o 

48

d2
a1 a2

Figure 10.1:

B
Bo

r
2
(r +1)2 (r 1)2 a
b2

49

50

Chapter 11
Problem Set 11

11.1

Problem 1: Jackson 6.8

A dielectric sphere of dielectric constant  and radius a is located at the origin. There is a uniform applied electric
field Eo in the x direction. The sphere rotates with an angular velocity about the a axis. Show that there is a
magnetic field H = M , where
M =

3
5

 o
 + 2o


o Eo

a
r>

5
xy

(11.1)

where r> is the larger of r and a. The motion is nonrelativistic.

First the polarization from Eq. 4.57
Px = 3

 o
Eo x
Px = Eo x

 + 2o

So the volume charge density is P = 0. The surface charge density is

=n
M=n
((r P)
z ) = o Eo a sin cos cos
r
8 1
= o Eo a
[Y2,1 Y2,1 ]
15 2
The potential is
0 da0
|x x0 |
r
l
8 1 a2 X 4 r<
= o Eo a
Ylm (, )
l+1
15 2 4
2l + 1 r>
Z



Ylm
(0 , 0 ) Y2,1 (0 , 0 ) Y2,1 (0 , 0 ) sin 0 d0 d0
r
2
8 1 a2 r<
= o Eo a
[Y2,1 (, ) Y2,1 (, )]
3
15 2 5 r>
" r
#
r
2
8 1 a2 r<
15
2
= o Eo a
sin

cos

cos

3
15 2 5 r>
8

M =

1
4

r3
3  o
o Eo a3 <
sin cos cos
5
5  + 2o
r>
 5
3  o
a
M =
o Eo xz
X
5  + 2o
r>

51

(11.2)

11.2

Problem 2: Jackson 6.20

An example of the preservation of causality and finite speed of propagation in spite of the use of the Coulomb gauge
is afforded by a dipole source that is flashed on and off at t = 0. The effective charge and current densities are
(x, t) = (x)(y) 0 (z)(t)

(11.3)

Jz (x, t) = (x)(y)(z) 0 (t)

(11.4)

where the prime means differentiation with respect to the argument. This dipole is of unit strength and it points in
the negative Z direction.
(a) Show that the instantaneous Coulomb potential (6.23) is
(x, t) =

1
z
(t) 3
4o
r

(11.5)

Using Eq. 6.23

1
(x, t) =
4o

|x x0 |

3
d x =

0
0 0 0
(x )(y ) (z )(t)

4o

d3 x
|x x0 |

(t)

4o

z 0 |z z 0 |

!
=

1
(t)
4o

z 0 z
|x z
0 |3

!
=

z
(t)

4o

r3

(b) Show that the transverse current Jt with a factor of 2/3 multiplying the delta function coming from treating
the gradient of z/r3 according to (4.20).

2
3
3
Jt (x, t) = (t) 3 (x)
+
n(3 n)
3
4r3
4r3
0

(11.6)

From Eq. 6.25 and 6.29

1
1  0
z

= (x)(y)(z) 0 (t)
z+
(t) 3

2
o c
t
4
r


3
r
(
z

z
4
1
0 (t)
(x)(y)(z)
z
= (x)(y)(z) 0 (t)
z+
4
3
r3


2
1
3
= 0 (t)
(x)
z
z +
r(
z r) X
3
4r3
4r3

Jt = J Jl = J

(c) Show that the electric and magnetic fields are causal and that the electric field components are (with Ey the
same as Ex except with cos replaced by sin ),


3
3
1 c
00 (r ct) + 0 (r ct) 2 (r ct) sin cos cos
4o r
r
r

 0

(r ct)
(r ct)
1 c
sin2 00 (r ct) + (3 cos2 1)

Ez (x, t) =
4o r
r
r2

Ex (x, t) =

From section 6.3, A is causal, B is causal. Now for E. From equation 6.48
Z
o
1
A=
[J] d3 x
4
R ret
 


Z
A
o
1
R
1 0 1
=
0 t
(x0 )
z+

d3 x0
t
4
R t
c
4 z 0 r0


Z
o 1 00
R
o
dk 1 2 ik(tR/c) 1 0 1 3 0
=

d x
4 r
c
4
2 R t2
4 z 0 r0
Now
02

1
eik(tR/c)
= (ik/c)2 eik(tR/c) eik(tR/c) 4(x x0 )
R
R
1 2 eik(tR/c)
eikt 4(x x0 )
= 2 2
c t
R

52

(11.7)
(11.8)

With that
A
o 1 00
o c2
=
(t R/c)
z
t
4 r
4

dk
2
Z



eik(tR/c)
1
02
+ eikt (x x0 ) 0 0 0 d3 x0
4R
z r

dk eik(tR/c) 0 02 1 3 0
1

d
x
+
(t)
2 4R
z 0
r0
z r

o
o 1 00
(t R/c)
z
4 r
4o o
Z
o 1 00
1
dk eik(tR/c) 0
z
1
=
(t R/c)
z+

(t) 3
(x0 )d3 x0
4 r
4o
2
R
z 0
4o
r
=

Now integrating the second term by parts



eik(tR/c)
1
z

(x0 )d3 x0
(t) 3
z
R
4o
r

o 1 00
1
A
=
(t R/c)
z+
t
4 r
4o

dk
2

o 1 00
1
(t R/c)
z+
4 r
4o

dk eik(tr/c)
1
z

(t) 3
2 z
r
4o
r

Again working with part of the second term







ikeikr/c
eikr/c

ik
1
eikr/c
ikr/c
=

r
=

+
e
cos

z
r
cr
r2
z
cr
r2





2
2
2ik
k
ik
1
sin
ikr/c
ikr/c
=
+

cos
e
r

+
e
+

r3
cr2
c2 r
cr
r2
r
Now integrating over k-space, which is just a Fourrier transform




o 1 00
1
1 0
1 00
1
z
1
A
2 cos
r + sin + 2 (t R/c) cos
=
(t R/c)
z+
(t R/c)
(t R/c)
r
(t) 3
t
4 r
4o
r3
cr 2
c r
4o
r






o c3 1 00
1 00
c
1
1 0
1
z
=
2 cos
r + sin + (ct R) cos r
(ct R) cos
r sin +
(ct R) 2 (ct R)
(t) 3
3
4 r
4o
r
r
r
4o
r




1 c
1 0
1
z
1
00
=
(ct R) 2 (ct R)
2 cos
r + sin (ct R) sin
(t) 3
4o r
r
r
4o
r

Now this can be used to find the electric field

A
t




1
z
1 c
1 0
1
1
z
=
(t) 3
(ct R) 2 (ct R)
2 cos
r + sin 00 (ct R) sin
(t) 3
4o
r
4o r
r
r
4o
r




1 0
1
1 c
(ct R) 2 (ct R)
=
2 cos
r + sin 00 (ct R) sin
4o r
r
r

E =

Now the electric field in Cartesian coordinates




1 c
1 0
1
Ex =
(ct R) 2 (ct R) (2 cos sin cos + sin cos cos ) 00 (ct R) sin cos cos
4o r
r
r


1 c
3 0
3
00
=
(r ct) + (r ct) 2 (r ct) sin cos cos
4o r
r
r



1 c
1 0
1
Ey =
(ct R) 2 (ct R) (2 cos sin sin + sin cos sin ) 00 (ct R) sin cos sin
4o r
r
r


1 c
3
3
=
00 (r ct) + 0 (r ct) 2 (r ct) sin cos sin
4o r
r
r



1 c
1 0
1
2
2

00
2
Ez =
(ct R) 2 (ct R) 2 cos sin + (ct R) sin
4o r
r
r
 0


(r ct)
(r ct)
1 c
=
sin2 00 (r ct) + (3 cos2 1)

4o r
r
r2
So the electric field is causal because the only time dependence is in the -functions. X

53

11.3

Problem 3: Jackson 6.11

A transverse plane wave is incident normally in vacuum on a perfectly absorbing flat screen.
(a) From the law of conservation of linear momentum, show that the pressure (called radiation pressure) exerted on
the screen is equal to the field energy per unit volume in the wave.
The total electromagnetic momentum in an infinitesimal volume for a small area, A over a small time, t,
P = gAct
The force due to the momentum, F = P/t = gAc. The pressure is then perpendicular to the force per area.
gAc
S
= gc =
= energy per unit volume or u X
A
c

p=

(b) In the neighborhood of the earth the flux of electromagnetic energy from the sun is approximately 1.4 W/m2 .
If an interplanetary sailplane had a sail of mass 1 g/m2 of area and negligible other weight, what would be
its maximum acceleration in meters per second squared due to the solar radiation pressure? How does this
compare with the acceleration due to the solar wind (corpuscular radiation)?
The acceleration do the radiation pressure
arad =

S/c
1.4 103 /(3 108 )
=
arad 4.67 103 m/s2
m/A
106

There are 105 protons/m2 s with an average velocity v = 4 105 m/s

awind =

So arad  awind

mv/tA
1.67 1027 4 105 105
14
2
=
= 6.68 10
m/s
m/A
106

54

Chapter 12
Problem Set 12

12.1

Problem 1: Jackson 6.4

A uniformly magnetized and conducting sphere of radius R and total magnetic moment m = 4M R3 /3 rotates about
its magnetization axis with angular speed . In the steady state no current flows in the conductor. The motion is
nonrelativistic; the sphere has no excess charge on it.
(a) By considering Ohms law in the moving conductor, show that the motion induces an electric field and a uniform
volume charge density in the conductor, = m/c2 R3 .
Here there are no free currents, so there is scalar potential that can describe the magnetic field. H = B/o M
H = M, then 2 M = M. Here M = M (R r) z1 , so

r
M (R r) = M (r R)
z
z
z
= M (r R) = M (r R) cos
r

M=

Then
2

M = M (r R) cos =

1
4

M (r R) cos 0 3 0
d r
|r r0 |

This integral can be solved using a multipole expansion as done with electrostatics for inside a sphere.
1
M =

X
X

Z M (r 0 R) cos 0

r0

4 l=0 m 2l + 1
1

l
X

1
=

l
X

R2

4
M

4 l=0 m=l 2l + 1
4

4 l=0 m=l 2l + 1

3
s

4
3

l+1

Rl+1

0
0 3 0 l
lm( , )d r r Ylm (, )

Y10 Ylm dr Ylm

1
1
l
M l,1 m,0 r Ylm =
M r cos =
Mz
3
3

The magnetic field inside the sphere is H = = 13 M z. The magnetic induction is



1
1
2
B = o (H + M) = o
M z + M z B = o M z
3
3
3
From Ohms Law
E = v B = ( r) B =

2
3

E =

2
3

o M (x
x + y y)
=

o M z
(
z r) =

2
3

o M (
z r
z r)

1 o m
(x
x + y y)

2 R3

The charge density is

m

4
4 M
= o M =
=
o
3
3 o c2
o c2 R3

m
m
E=
=
=
X
o
o c2 R3
c2 R3

E=

1 Here

is a step function

55

(b) Because the sphere is electrically neutral, there is no monopole electric field outside. Use symmetry arguments
to show that only a quadrupole field exists outside and that the quadrupole moment tensor has nonvanishing
components, Q33 = 4mR2 /3c2 , Q11 = Q22 = Q33 /2.
The surface of the sphere has to have positive charge some place on it, just as it has to have negative charge on
it. These charges cancel out because there is no monopole term. Now considering a flip of the radial vector. This
obviously does not change the sign of the angular momentum. This will change the sign of and J, so the magnetic
field does not change signs. From this the magnetic induction does not change sign. Because is independent of the
radial vector, it does not change sign. This means that under a radial flip, the problem is the same, so the odd terms
of l must vanish. Since the dipole is odd in l, it is zero, therefore the first nonvanishing term is the quadrupole.
Because of the azimuthal symmetry about z axis, the Qxx term can not be distinguished from the Qyy term. From
this, Qxx = Qyy . Because the quadrupole term is a traceless matrix, Qxx + Qyy + Qzz = 0 Qxx = Qyy = Qzz /2.
For the off diagonal terms, under x x, y, z y, z are the Qxy and Qxz terms. From arguments before, which
are r r terms are 0, Qxy = Qxz = 0. Now for y y x, z x, z, which are Qyx (which from before is 0) and
Qyz , are 0 from the fact that the is equivalent to r r.
I show that Qzz = 4mR2 /3c2 in the next part. X
(c) By considering the radial electric fields inside and outside the sphere, show that the necessary surface-charge
density () is
() =



5
1 4m
1

P
(cos
)
2
4R2 3c2
2

(12.1)

For inside the sphere from part a


2
o M  2
2
E = o M (x
x + y y)) = 1 1 =
x +y
+C
3
3

In terms of spherical harmonics,

o M 2
o M 2 2
x + y 2 + C 1 =
r sin + C
3
3
!
r
o M 2 2
4
=
r
1
Y20 + C
3
3
5
!
r
2
4
2
= o M r 1
Y20 + C
9
5

1 =

For outside the sphere, there is no charge and no dipole terms, so the first no vanishing term is the quadrupole term.
The potential outside is

2 = A2

R
r

3
Y20

The potential must be continuous at the boundaries, so

2
1 (R) = 2 (R) o M R2
9

Then C = 92 o M R2 and A2 = 29
(
D=

4
o M R2 .
5

r
1

4
Y20
5

!
+ C = A2 Y20

The displacement field is

r sin2
r 23 M
r sin cos
c2
c2
2 M R5
R5
3 c2 r4 P2 (cos ) r 23 M
sin cos
c2 r 4

23

56

r<R
r>R

From D = with evaluated at r = R, the surface charge density becomes

2 M
2 M
RP2 (cos ) +
R sin2
3 c2
3 c2


2
2 M
2 M
2
=
RP
(cos
)
+
R

P
(cos
)
2
2
3 c2
3 c2
3
3


4 M
5
=
R 1 P2 (cos )
9 c2
2


1 4m
5
=
1 P2 (cos )
4R2 3c2
2

(, ) =

For Qzz
Z
Qzz = 2

2
3
r P2 (cos )d r



1
4m 
5
m
2 3
(R r) +
1 P2 (cos ) (r R) r d r
c2 R3
4R2 3c2
2
!

R 
5
4m Z
4
1 P2 (cos ) (r R) r drd(cos )
=
(R r) +
c2 R 3
3
2
Z 
= 2

10 mR2 Z 1
3

c2

Qzz =

2
(P2 (cos )) d(cos )

4mR2
3c2

(d) The rotating sphere serves as a unipolar induction device if a stationary circuit is attached by a slip ring to the
pole and a sliding contact to the equator. Show that the line integral of the electric field from the equator
contact to the pole contact (by any path) is E = o m/4R
The EMF is given by
r=R,=/2
Z

r=R,=0
Z

E=

E dl =

dl = (R, /2) (R, 0)

r=R,=0

r=R,=/2

2
2
o M R2
o M R2
o M R2 + o M R2 =
3
9
9
3
o m
E=
X
4R

12.2

Problem 2: Jackson 6.14

An ideal circular parallel plate capacitor of radius a and plate separation d  a is connected to a current source by
axial leads. The current in the wire is I(t) = Io cos t.
(a) Calculate the electric and magnetic fields between the plates to second order in powers of the frequency (or wave
number), neglecting the effects of fringing fields.
As in the static case E = E = 0 and B = Bz = 0. From Gausss law in statics
Ez =

Q
Io
=
=
o
a2 o
ia2 o

From Amperes law

2B = o o (i)2 Ez B =

o Io
2a2

From Faradays law, the next order correction is

E=

Ez
B
=
= iB

57

Then
Z
Io
io Io 2
Ez () = Ez (0) i B d Ez d =

2
ia o
4a2


2 2
1
Io
1
Ez () =
ia2 o
4 c2
Now the correction to the B-field.
E
1 (B )
= o  o
= io o Ez z

t

B=
So
B () =

B () =

io o

o Io
2a2

Z
Ez d =
1 2 2
8 c2

2
1 2 4

2
16 c2

io o
Io

ia2 o

Now for the time dependence, because the time dependence is of the form eit = cos t i sin t, the real parts are


B ()

2 2
Io
1 14 c2 sin t
o a2 

2 2
o Io
= 2a
1 18 c2 cos t
2

Ez () =

(b) Calculate the volume integrals of we and wm that enter the definition of the reactance X, (6.140), to second
order in . Show that in terms of the input current Ii , defined by Ii = iQ, where Q is the total charge on
one plate, these energies are
Z

The energy in the fields is we =

Z
o |Ii |2 d
2 a2
|Ii |2 d
3
1 +

,
wm d x =
4o 2 a2
4
8
12c2
1

3
we d x =

o |E|2
4

and wm =

|B|2
.
o 4

(12.2)

From part a

o |E|2
o |Ii |2
=
4
4 (o a2 )2


2
|B|
o |Ii |2 2
1 2 2
=

1+
o 4
16 2 a4
8 c2

we =
wm

The integral for we over all of space in between the plates

Z
Z
o |Ii |2
2 |Ii |2 d a
1 |Ii |2 d
dddz
=
d =
2
2
4
2
4o a 0
4o 2 a2
4 (o a )
For wm
Z

1 2 2
8 c2

a4
1 2 a6
+
4
48 c2

o |Ii |2 2
16 2 a4

o |Ii |2 d
4 2a4

1+

dddz =

o |Ii |2 d
4 8

o |Ii |2 d
4 2a4
1+

2 a2
12c2

1 2 5
8 c2

!
d

!
X

2
(c) Show that the equivalent series circuit
has C ' o a /d, L ' o d/8, and that an estimate for the resonant
frequency of the system is res ' 2 2c/a. Compare with the first root of Jo (x).

From section 6.9, the capacitance

X=

1
4 1 |Ii |2 d
d
o a2
=
=
C=
2
2
2
2
C
|Ii | 4o a
o a
d

For the inductance

X = L =

4 o |Ii |2 d
o d
o d
=
L=
|Ii |2 4 8
8
8

58

Resonance occurs when L = 1/C,

L =

1
1
=
= r
C
LC

1




o d
o a2
8

r
=

8
=
o o a2

8c2
= 2 2c/a
a2

If the next term in the B-field is kept the inductance becomes



o d
2 a2
L=
1+
8
12c2
The resonance is
2 =

8c2
a2

r

1


24 c
1 2 a2
8c2
1 2 a2
8c2
2 2

=
1+

12 c2
a2
12 c2
a2
3
5 a

So the further the electric field and the induced magnetic field are expand in power of , the closer the resonant
frequency will be to Jo (x) = 0, where x = . This seems logical because the first resonant frequency should occur
when half a wavelength is inside the cavity. X

59

60

Appendix A
Special Functions

Hi

61

Index
hydrogen, 2
mean value theorem, 4

62