Chapter 7 — Odd-Numbered

7.1. Let V = 2xy 2 z 3 and  = 0 . Given point P (1, 2, −1), find:

a) V at P : Substituting the coordinates into V , find VP = −8 V.
b) E at P : We use E = −∇V = −2y 2 z 3 ax − 4xyz 3 ay − 6xy 2 z 2 az , which, when evaluated
at P , becomes EP = 8ax + 8ay − 24az V/m

c) ρv at P : This is ρv = ∇ · D = −0 ∇2 V = −4xz(z 2 + 3y 2 ) C/m3

d) the equation of the equipotential surface passing through P : At P , we know V = −8 V,
so the equation will be xy 2 z 3 = −4.
e) the equation of the streamline passing through P : First,

Ey dy 4xyz 3 2x
= = 2 3 =
Ex dx 2y z y

Thus
1 2
ydy = 2xdx, and so y = x2 + C1
2
Evaluating at P , we find C1 = 1. Next,

Ez dz 6xy 2 z 2 3x
= = 2 3
=
Ex dx 2y z z

Thus
3 2 1
3xdx = zdz, and so x = z 2 + C2
2 2
Evaluating at P , we find C2 = 1. The streamline is now specified by the equations:

y 2 − 2x2 = 2 and 3x2 − z 2 = 2

f) Does V satisfy Laplace’s equation? No, since the charge density is not zero.

7.3. Let V (x, y) = 4e2x + f (x) − 3y 2 in a region of free space where ρv = 0. It is known that both
Ex and V are zero at the origin. Find f (x) and V (x, y): Since ρv = 0, we know that ∇2 V = 0,
and so
∂2V ∂2V d2 f
∇2 V = + = 16e2x
+ −6=0
∂x2 ∂y 2 dx2
Therefore
d2 f df
= −16e2x + 6 ⇒ = −8e2x + 6x + C1
dx2 dx
Now
∂V df
Ex = = 8e2x +
∂x dx
and at the origin, this becomes

df


Ex (0) = 8 +
= 0(as given)
dx x=0

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7.3. (continued) Thus df /dx |x=0 = −8, and so it follows that C1 = 0. Integrating again, we find
f (x, y) = −4e2x + 3x2 + C2
which at the origin becomes f (0, 0) = −4 + C2 . However, V (0, 0) = 0 = 4 + f (0, 0). So
f (0, 0) = −4 and C2 = 0. Finally, f (x, y) = −4e2x + 3x2 , and V (x, y) = 4e2x − 4e2x + 3x2 −
3y 2 = 3(x2 − y 2 ).

7.5. Given the potential field V = (Aρ4 + Bρ−4 ) sin 4φ:

a) Show that ∇2 V = 0: In cylindrical coordinates,
 
1 ∂ ∂V 1 ∂2V
∇ V =
2
ρ + 2
ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ ρ ∂φ2
1 ∂   1
= ρ(4Aρ3 − 4Bρ−5 ) sin 4φ − 2 16(Aρ4 + Bρ−4 ) sin 4φ
ρ ∂ρ ρ
16 16
= (Aρ3 + Bρ−5 ) sin 4φ − 2 (Aρ4 + Bρ−4 ) sin 4φ = 0
ρ ρ

b) Select A and B so that V = 100 V and |E| = 500 V/m at P (ρ = 1, φ = 22.5◦ , z = 2):
First,
∂V 1 ∂V
E = −∇V = − aρ − aφ
∂ρ ρ ∂φ
 
= −4 (Aρ3 − Bρ−5 ) sin 4φ aρ + (Aρ3 + Bρ−5 ) cos 4φ aφ
and at P , EP = −4(A − B) aρ . Thus |EP | = ±4(A − B). Also, VP = A + B. Our two
equations are:
4(A − B) = ±500
and
A + B = 100
We thus have two pairs of values for A and B:
A = 112.5, B = −12.5 or A = −12.5, B = 112.5

7.7. Let V = (cos 2φ)/ρ in free space.

a) Find the volume charge density at point A(0.5, 60◦ , 1): Use Poisson’s equation:
   
1 ∂ ∂V 1 ∂2V
ρv = −0 ∇ V = −0
2
ρ + 2
ρ ∂ρ ∂ρ ρ ∂φ2
   
1 ∂ − cos 2φ 4 cos 2φ 30 cos 2φ
= −0 − 2 =
ρ ∂ρ ρ ρ ρ ρ3
So at A we find:
30 cos(120◦ )
ρvA = = −120 = −106 pC/m3
0.53
b) Find the surface charge density on a conductor surface passing through B(2, 30◦ , 1): First,
we find E:
∂V 1 ∂V
E = −∇V = − aρ − aφ
∂ρ ρ ∂φ
cos 2φ 2 sin 2φ
= 2
aρ + aφ
ρ ρ2

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7.7b. (continued) At point B the field becomes

cos 60◦ 2 sin 60◦

EB = aρ + aφ = 0.125 aρ + 0.433 aφ
4 4
The surface charge density will now be

ρsB = ±|DB | = ±0 |EB | = ±0.4510 = ±0.399 pC/m2

The charge is positive or negative depending on which side of the surface we are considering.
The problem did not provide information necessary to determine this.

7.9. The functions V1 (ρ, φ, z) and V2 (ρ, φ, z) both satisfy Laplace’s equation in the region a < ρ < b,
0 ≤ φ < 2π, −L < z < L; each is zero on the surfaces ρ = b for −L < z < L; z = −L for
a < ρ < b; and z = L for a < ρ < b; and each is 100 V on the surface ρ = a for −L < z < L.
a) In the region specified above, is Laplace’s equation satisfied by the functions V1 + V2 ,
V1 − V2 , V1 + 3, and V1 V2 ? Yes for the first three, since Laplace’s equation is linear. No
for V1 V2 .
b) On the boundary surfaces specified, are the potential values given above obtained from
the functions V1 + V2 , V1 − V2 , V1 + 3, and V1 V2 ? At the 100 V surface (ρ = a), No for all.
At the 0 V surfaces, yes, except for V1 + 3.
c) Are the functions V1 + V2 , V1 − V2 , V1 + 3, and V1 V2 identical with V1 ? Only V2 is,
since it is given as satisfying all the boundary conditions that V1 does. Therefore, by the
uniqueness theorem, V2 = V1 . The others, not satisfying the boundary conditions, are
not the same as V1 .

7.11. The conducting planes 2x + 3y = 12 and 2x + 3y = 18 are at potentials of 100 V and 0,

respectively. Let  = 0 and find:
a) V at P (5, 2, 6): The planes are parallel, and so we expect variation in potential in the
direction normal to them. Using the two boundary condtions, our general potential
function can be written:

V (x, y) = A(2x + 3y − 12) + 100 = A(2x + 3y − 18) + 0

and so A = −100/6. We then write

100 100
V (x, y) = − (2x + 3y − 18) = − x − 50y + 300
6 3

and VP = − 100
3 (5) − 100 + 300 = 33.33 V.

b) Find E at P : Use
100
E = −∇V = ax + 50 ay V/m
3

75
7.13. Coaxial conducting cylinders are located at ρ = 0.5 cm and ρ = 1.2 cm. The region between
the cylinders is filled with a homogeneous perfect dielectric. If the inner cylinder is at 100V
and the outer at 0V, find:
a) the location of the 20V equipotential surface: From Eq. (16) we have

ln(.012/ρ)
V (ρ) = 100 V
ln(.012/.005)

We seek ρ at which V = 20 V, and thus we need to solve:

ln(.012/ρ) .012
20 = 100 ⇒ ρ= = 1.01 cm
ln(2.4) (2.4)0.2

b) Eρ max : We have
∂V dV 100
Eρ = − =− =
∂ρ dρ ρ ln(2.4)
whose maximum value will occur at the inner cylinder, or at ρ = .5 cm:

100
Eρ max = = 2.28 × 104 V/m = 22.8 kV/m
.005 ln(2.4)

c) R if the charge per meter length on the inner cylinder is 20 nC/m: The capacitance per
meter length is
2π0 R Q
C= =
ln(2.4) V0
We solve for R :
(20 × 10−9 ) ln(2.4)
R = = 3.15
2π0 (100)

7.15. The two conducting planes illustrated in Fig. 7.8 are defined by 0.001 < ρ < 0.120 m,
0 < z < 0.1 m, φ = 0.179 and 0.188 rad. The medium surrounding the planes is air. For
region 1, 0.179 < φ < 0.188, neglect fringing and find:
a) V (φ): The general solution to Laplace’s equation will be V = C1 φ + C2 , and so

20 = C1 (.188) + C2 and 200 = C1 (.179) + C2

Subtracting one equation from the other, we find

−180 = C1 (.188 − .179) ⇒ C1 = −2.00 × 104

Then
20 = −2.00 × 104 (.188) + C2 ⇒ C2 = 3.78 × 103
Finally, V (φ) = (−2.00 × 104 )φ + 3.78 × 103 V.

76
7.15. (continued)
b) E(ρ): Use
1 dV 2.00 × 104
E(ρ) = −∇V = − = aφ V/m
ρ dφ ρ

c) D(ρ) = 0 E(ρ) = (2.00 × 104 0 /ρ) aφ C/m2 .

d) ρs on the upper surface of the lower plane: We use

2.00 × 104 2.00 × 104


ρs = D · n
= aφ · aφ = C/m2
surf ace ρ ρ

e) Q on the upper surface of the lower plane: This will be

 
.1 .120
2.00 × 104 0
Qt = dρ dz = 2.00 × 104 0 (.1) ln(120) = 8.47 × 10−8 C = 84.7 nC
0 .001 ρ

f) Repeat a) to c) for region 2 by letting the location of the upper plane be φ = .188 − 2π,
and then find ρs and Q on the lower surface of the lower plane. Back to the beginning,
we use
20 = C1 (.188 − 2π) + C2 and 200 = C1 (.179) + C2
Subtracting one from the other, we find

−180 = C1 (.009 − 2π) ⇒ C1 = 28.7

Then 200 = 28.7(.179) + C2 ⇒ C2 = 194.9. Thus V (φ) = 28.7φ + 194.9 in region 2.
Then
28.7 28.70
E=− aφ V/m and D = − aφ C/m2
ρ ρ
ρs on the lower surface of the lower plane will now be

28.70 28.70
ρs = − aφ · (−aφ ) = C/m2
ρ ρ

The charge on that surface will then be Qb = 28.70 (.1) ln(120) = 122 pC.
g) Find the total charge on the lower plane and the capacitance between the planes: Total
charge will be Qnet = Qt + Qb = 84.7 nC + 0.122 nC = 84.8 nC. The capacitance will be

Qnet 84.8
C= = = 0.471 nF = 471 pF
∆V 200 − 20

77
7.17. Concentric conducting spheres are located at r = 5 mm and r = 20 mm. The region between
the spheres is filled with a perfect dielectric. If the inner sphere is at 100 V and the outer
sphere at 0 V:
a) Find the location of the 20 V equipotential surface: Solving Laplace’s equation gives us
1
r − 1
b
V (r) = V0 1
a − 1
b

where V0 = 100, a = 5 and b = 20. Setting V (r) = 20, and solving for r produces
r = 12.5 mm.
b) Find Er,max : Use
dV V0 ar
E = −∇V = − ar = 2  1 1 
dr r a−b
Then
V0 100
Er,max = E(r = a) = = = 26.7 V/mm = 26.7 kV/m
a(1 − (a/b)) 5(1 − (5/20))

c) Find R if the surface charge density on the inner sphere is 100 µC/m2 : ρs will be equal
in magnitude to the electric flux density at r = a. So ρs = (2.67 × 104 V/m)R 0 =
10−4 C/m2 . Thus R = 423 ! (obviously a bad choice of numbers here – possibly a
misprint. A more reasonable charge on the inner sphere would have been 1 µC/m2 ,
leading to R = 4.23).

7.19. Two coaxial conducting cones have their vertices at the origin and the z axis as their axis.
Cone A has the point A(1, 0, 2) on its surface, while cone B has the point B(0, 3, 2) on its
surface. Let VA = 100 V and VB = 20 V. Find:
a) α for each cone: Have αA = tan−1 (1/2) = 26.57◦ and αB = tan−1 (3/2) = 56.31◦ .
b) V at P (1, 1, 1): The potential function between cones can be written as

V (θ) = C1 ln tan(θ/2) + C2

Then
20 = C1 ln tan(56.31/2) + C2 and 100 = C1 ln tan(26.57/2) + C2
Solving√these two equations, we find C1 = −97.7 and C2 = −41.1. Now at P , θ =
tan−1 ( 2) = 54.7◦ . Thus

VP = −97.7 ln tan(54.7/2) − 41.1 = 23.3 V

7.21. In free space, let ρv = 2000 /r2.4 .

a) Use Poisson’s equation to find V (r) if it is assumed that r2 Er → 0 when r → 0, and also
that V → 0 as r → ∞: With r variation only, we have
 
1 d 2 dV ρv
∇ V = 2
2
r =− = −200r−2.4
r dr dr 

78
7.21. (continued)
or  
d 2 dV
r = −200r−.4
dr dr
Integrate once:  
2 dV 200 .6
r =− r + C1 = −333.3r.6 + C1
dr .6
or
dV C1
= −333.3r−1.4 + 2 = ∇V (in this case) = −Er
dr r
Our first boundary condition states that r2 Er → 0 when r → 0 Therefore C1 = 0.
Integrate again to find:
333.3 −.4
V (r) = r + C2
.4
From our second boundary condition, V → 0 as r → ∞, we see that C2 = 0. Finally,

V (r) = 833.3r−.4 V

b) Now find V (r) by using Gauss’ Law and a line integral: Gauss’ law applied to a spherical
surface of radius r gives:
 r
2 2000  2 r.6
4πr Dr = 4π  2.4
(r ) dr = 800π0
0 (r ) .6
Thus
Dr 800π0 r.6
Er = = = 333.3r−1.4 V/m
0 .6(4π)0 r2
Now  r
V (r) = − 333.3(r )−1.4 dr = 833.3r−.4 V
∞

7.23. A rectangular trough is formed by four conducting planes located at x = 0 and 8 cm and y = 0
and 5 cm in air. The surface at y = 5 cm is at a potential of 100 V, the other three are at
zero potential, and the necessary gaps are placed at two corners. Find the potential at x = 3
cm, y = 4 cm: This situation is the same as that of Fig. 7.6, except the non-zero boundary
potential appears on the top surface, rather than the right side. The solution is found from
Eq. (39) by simply interchanging x and y, and b and d, obtaining:
∞
4V0 1 sinh(mπy/d) mπx
V (x, y) = sin
π m sinh(mπb/d) d
1,odd

where V0 = 100 V, d = 8 cm, and b = 5 cm. We will use the first three terms to evaluate the
potential at (3,4):


. 400 sinh(π/2) 1 sinh(3π/2) 1 sinh(5π/2)
V (3, 4) = sin(3π/8) + sin(9π/8) + sin(15π/8)
π sinh(5π/8) 3 sinh(15π/8) 5 sinh(25π/8)
400
= [.609 − .040 − .011] = 71.1 V
π

79
7.23. (continued). Additional accuracy is found by including more terms in the expansion. Us-
.
ing thirteen terms, and using six significant figure accuracy, the result becomes V (3, 4) =
71.9173 V. The series converges rapidly enough so that terms after the sixth one produce no
change in the third digit. Thus, quoting three significant figures, 71.9 V requires six terms,
with subsequent terms having no effect.

7.25. In Fig. 7.7, change the right side so that the potential varies linearly from 0 at the bottom of
that side to 100 V at the top. Solve for the potential at the center of the trough: Since the
potential reaches zero periodically in y and also is zero at x = 0, we use the form:
∞
 mπx  mπy
V (x, y) = Vm sinh sin
m=1
b b

Now, at x = d, V = 100(y/b). Thus

∞    mπy
y mπd
100 = Vm sinh sin
b m=1
b b

We then multiply by sin(nπy/b), where n is a fixed integer, and integrate over y from 0 to b:
 b  nπy ∞   b  mπy  nπy
y mπd
100 sin dy = Vm sinh sin sin dy
b b b b b
0 m=1  0
 
=b/2 if m=n, zero if m=n

The integral on the right hand side picks the nth term out of the series, enabling the coefficients,
Vn , to be solved for individually as we vary n. We find in general,
 b  nπy
2 y
Vm = 100 sin dy
b sinh(mπ/d) 0 b b

The integral evaluates as

  nπy  
b
y −100/mπ (m even) 100
100 sin dy = = (−1)m+1
0 b b 100/mπ (m odd) mπ

thus
200(−1)m+1
Vm =
mπb sinh(mπd/b)
So that finally,
∞
200 (−1)m+1 sinh (mπx/b)  mπy
V (x, y) = sin
πb m=1 m sinh (mπd/b) b

Now, with a square trough, set b = d = 1, and so 0 < x < 1 and 0 < y < 1. The potential
becomes
∞
200 (−1)m+1 sinh (mπx)
V (x, y) = sin (mπy)
π m=1 m sinh (mπ)

80
7.25. (continued). Now at the center of the trough, x = y = 0.5, and, using four terms, we have


. 200 sinh(π/2) 1 sinh(3π/2) 1 sinh(5π/2) 1 sinh(7π/2)
V (.5, .5) = − + − = 12.5 V
π sinh(π) 3 sinh(3π) 5 sinh(5π) 7 sinh(7π)

where additional terms do not affect the three-significant-figure answer.

7.27. It is known that V = XY is a solution of Laplace’s equation, where X is a function of x alone,

and Y is a function of y alone. Determine which of the following potential function are also
solutions of Laplace’s equation:
a) V = 100X: We know that ∇2 XY = 0, or

∂2 ∂2 X  Y 
XY + XY = 0 ⇒ Y X  + XY  = 0 ⇒ =− = α2
∂x2 ∂y 2 X Y

Therefore, ∇2 X = 100X  = 0 – No.

b) V = 50XY : Would have ∇2 V = 50∇2 XY = 0 – Yes.
c) V = 2XY + x − 3y: ∇2 V = 2∇2 XY + 0 − 0 = 0 – Yes.
d) V = xXY : ∇2 V = x∇2 XY + XY ∇2 x = 0 – Yes.
e) V = X 2 Y : ∇2 V = X∇2 XY + XY ∇2 X = 0 + XY ∇2 X – No.

81