Equations of Maxwell

M. Siddikov

Marat.Siddikov@usm.cl

August 24, 2021

Outline
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Short remarks
It is expected that You might have seen
some of these topics in undergraduate
courses, so some explanations will be
very brief.
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Static electric fields
Concept of charge & electric field Coulomb’s law
The force acting on a static pointlike ~ 12 = 1 q1 q2
F r̂ 12
charge q in electric field: 2
4π0 r12
| {z }
~ = qE
F ~ const

r̂ 12 is a unit vector from 1 to 2

The electric filed is created by other
(“source”) charges Electric field of a single pointlike charge
Q is given by
Principle of superposition ~ = 1 Q
E r̂ ,
2 12
(1)
4π0 r12
The interaction between the two | {z }
const
charges is unaffected by all the other . Gauss’ law:
´
charges Φ= E ~ ·d A
~ = Q/ε0
FCan check directly
for pointlike charge
⇓ (1)
FQ=total charge
Electric fields created by external “source inside the surface
charges” add up
FDue to superposition principle is valid
~ =E
⇒E ~1 +E
~ 2 + ... also for distributed charge
Static electric fields
Principle of superposition Control question 1
The interaction between the two The density of electric charge inside the
charges is unaffected by all the other rigid body is given by ρ(~r ). Write the
charges expression for the electric field at distance
~r  ~r 1 from the center of the body.
Electric fields created by external “source
charges” add up Please send your reply via ZOOM Chat
(as LaTeX or tiny screenshot)
~ =E
⇒E ~1 +E
~ 2 + ...

Electric field of a single pointlike charge

Q is given by
~ = 1 Q
E r̂ ,
2 12
(1)
4π0 r12
| {z }
const
. Gauss’
´ law:
Φ= E ~ ·d A
~ = Q/ε0
FValid both for
pointlike and
distributed charges
Static electric fields
Principle of superposition Control question 1
The interaction between the two The density of electric charge inside the
charges is unaffected by all the other rigid body is given by ρ(~r ). Write the
charges expression for the electric field at distance
~r  ~r 1 from the center of the body.
Electric fields created by external “source
charges” add up
ˆ
~ =E
⇒E ~1 +E
~ 2 + ... 1 r − r1
~ (r ) =
E d 3 r 1 ρ (r 1 ) , (10 )
4π0
| {z } |r − r 1 |3
Electric field of a single pointlike charge const
ˆ
Q is given by 1 r − rC
≈ d 3 r 1 ρ (r 1 − r C )
1 Q 4π0 |r − r C |3
~ =
E r̂ , (1)
2 12
| {z } | {z }
4π0 r12 const =Q
| {z }  
const 1
. Gauss’
´ law: +O
Φ= E ~ ·d A
~ = Q/ε0 r3
FValid both for At very large distances can approximate
pointlike and the field as a Coulomb of pointlike charge
distributed charges  We’ll see later the general formula for
the omitted terms-the so-called multipolar
expansion: dipole, quadrupole, octupole
Static electric fields
Principle of superposition Control question 2
The interaction between the two Write out the Gauss’ law in differential
charges is unaffected by all the other form (using the theorem of Gauss).
charges Apply your equation to the Coulomb field
of the pointlike electric charge. Be
Electric fields created by external “source careful at the point r = 0 !!!
charges” add up
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~ =E
⇒E ~1 +E
~ 2 + ...
(as LaTeX or tiny screenshot)

Electric field of a single pointlike charge

Q is given by
~ = 1 Q
E r̂ ,
2 12
(1)
4π0 r12
| {z }
const
. Gauss’
´ law:
Φ= E ~ ·d A
~ = Q/ε0
FValid both for
pointlike and
distributed charges
 For the Colomb field of pointlike charge
Static electric fields (1) at r 12 6= 0 we have
Electric field of a single pointlike charge .

Q is given by ~ (r 1 ) = Q
∇·E ×
~ = 1
E
Q
r̂ =
1 Q
r , (1)
4π0
2 12 3 12
| {z }
4π0 r12 4π0 r12 const
| {z }   
const divr 12 1
× 3
+ (r 12 · ∇) 3
=0
Gauss’ law: r12 r12
ˆ since
Φ= ~ · dA
E ~ = Q/ε0 divr 12 = 3,
1 a·r
(a · ∇) 3 = −3 5 ,
r r
Control question 2 1 3
(r · ∇) 3 = − 3 ,
Write out the Gauss’ law in differential r r
form (using the theorem of Gauss). Near r 12 ≈ 0 need to be careful since
Apply your equation to the Coulomb field function is singular.
of the pointlike electric charge. Be
careful at the point r = 0 !!! To show that the rhs is ∼ δ (r 12 ), could
regularize expression for E , e.g. as

~ = lim Q r 12
E ,
~ = ρ,
∇·E a→0 4π0 (r 212 + a2 )3/2
ε0 | {z }
const
evaluate div and after that take lima→0 .
Static electric fields

Control question 3
Demonstrate that for pointlike charge
~ ≡∇×E
rot E ~ = 0. In view of
superposition principle it is valid for any
static distribution of charges.

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(as LaTeX or tiny screenshot)
Static electric fields
Proof:

~ = 1 Q 1 Q
E r̂ =
2 12
r ,
3 12
(1)
4π0 r12 4π0 r12 ~ (r 1 ) = Q
∇×E ×
4π0
| {z }
const | {z }
const
  
Control question 3 ∇ × r 12 1
× 3
+ r 12 × ∇ 3
=0
r12 r12
Demonstrate that for pointlike charge
~ ≡∇×E
rot E ~ = 0. In view of since
superposition principle it is valid for any
static distribution of charges. ∇ × r 12 = 0,
 
1 r
Please send your reply via ZOOM Chat ∇ = −3 5 ,
r3 r
(as LaTeX or tiny screenshot)  
1
⇒ (r × ∇) = 0.
r3
Static electric fields
~ ≡∇×E ~ = 0. Control question 4
For pointlike charge rot E
In view of superposition principle it is Explain how the potential (1) depends on
valid for any static distribution of the choice of r 0 and the shape of the
charges. path between r 0 and r ?

⇓ Control question 5
There is uniquely defined function which Write out the potential created by a
we call potential, such that single pointlike charge, and by a body
ˆ r with electric charge density ρ(~r ).
d r 0 · E r 0 , (1)


φ(~r ) = −
r0

E (r ) = −∇φ

The Gauss’ law for this case turns into

Poisson’s equation
ρ(~r )
∆φ(~r ) = −
ε0
In parts of space where ρ = 0 the potential
is harmonic function, satisfies Laplace’s
equation ∆φ(~r ) = 0.
Static electric fields
~ ≡∇×E ~ = 0. Control question 5
For pointlike charge rot E
In view of superposition principle it is Write out the potential created by a
valid for any static distribution of single pointlike charge, and by a body
charges. with electric charge density ρ(~r ).

⇓
1 Q
There is uniquely defined function which φpointlike = ,
4π0 r12
we call potential, such that
ˆ ~r ˆ
1 1
d r 0 · E r 0 , (1) d 3 r 1 ρ (r 1 )


φ(~r ) = − φgeneral (r ) = ,
4π0 |r − r 1 |
E (r ) = −∇φ

The Gauss’ law for this case turns into

Poisson’s equation
ρ(~r )
∆φ(~r ) = −
ε0
In parts of space where ρ = 0 the potential
is harmonic function, satisfies Laplace’s
equation ∆φ(~r ) = 0.
Static electric fields  Mathematically, these equations de-
Electrostatics in brief termine the static field E
We need to add border conditions
In vacuum fields vanish at r → ∞
We’ll discuss later conditions near
conductors, dielectrics, ...
Equations are linear, obey superposi-
tion principle
⇒full solution is given by

E full = E part + E homog

where E homog is homogeneous solution

Have seen particular solution,

ˆ
1 r − r1
The equations ~ part (r ) =
E d 3 r 1 ρ (r 1 ) ,
4π0 |r − r 1 |3
~ = ρ,
| {z }
∇·E const
ε0
~ Now we’ll discuss E homog in detail
∇×E =0
Easier to work with potential and
are (part of) the equations of Maxwell for Laplace’s equation,
electostatics in the vacuum.
∆φ(~r ) = 0.
Laplace’s equation

How can we construct the general solution of Laplace’s equation?

∆φ(~r ) = 0.

There are different methods which You might have seen in undergraduate courses
Laplace’s equation Spherical (coordinates {qi } =
Explicit form {r , θ, ϕ},
∆φ(~r ) = 0. hr = 1, hθ = r , hϕ = r sin θ)
 
1 ∂ 2 ∂φ
∆ is a second-order differential operator ∆φ = 2 r +
Its structure in orthogonal curvilinear r ∂r ∂r
∂2φ
 
coordinates {qi }: 1 ∂ ∂φ 1
+ 2 sin θ + 2 2
Q ! r sin θ ∂θ ∂θ r sin θ ∂ϕ2
j hj ∂φ
X 1 ∂ Cylindrical (coordinates {qi } =
∆φ =
hi2 ∂q i {r , ϕ, z},
Q i
i j hj ∂q
hr = 1, hϕ = r , hz = 1)
where hi are Lamé coefficients  
Cartesian ({qi } = {x, y , z}, all hi = 1) 1 ∂ ∂φ
∆φ = r +
r ∂r ∂r
∂2φ ∂2φ ∂2φ
∆φ = + + 1 ∂2φ 1 ∂2φ
∂x 2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2 + 2 2
+ 2 2
r ∂ϕ r sin θ ∂ϕ2

Method of separation of variables: Seek the solution in the form

Y
φ= fi (qi )
i

where each fi (qi ) is independent function of just one variable

Laplace’s equation Solutions depends on sign of αi :
Separation of variables √ √
+ βi e −qi κ
i , κi > 0
αi e qi κi √

Cartesian ({qi } = {x, y , z}, all hi = 1)
fi =
αi sin qi −κi + φi , κi < 0
∆φ 1 ∂ 2 f1 (x) 1 ∂ 2 f2 (y ) Need boundary conditions to find possi-
= +
φ f1 (x) ∂x 2 f2 (y ) ∂y 2
ble values of κi , αi , φi (we’ll see a bit
1 ∂ 2 f3 (z) later concrete example).
+ =0
f3 (z) ∂z 2 Formal solution in vacuum (no bound-
Each term in rhs depends on its own
aries): superposition (sum or integral)
variable⇒possible only if each of them is
constant of solutions with all possible values of
⇒End up with 3 ordinary diff. equations κi
(ODEs) ˆ ˆ ˆ Y
2
d κ1 d κ2 d κ3 fi (qi , κi ...)
1 ∂ f1 (x)
= κ1 ,
f1 (x) ∂x 2 Constants αi , βi , φi might be different
1 ∂ 2 f2 (y ) for each κi ,
= κ2 ,
f2 (y ) ∂y 2
αi = αi (κi ) ,
1 ∂ 2 f3 (z)
= κ3 , βi = βi (κi ) ,
f3 (z) ∂z 2
κ1 + κ2 + κ3 = 0. φi = φi (κi ) .
Laplace’s equation Remaining equation:
Cylindrical coordinates, φ(r , ϕ, z) =
R(r )F (ϕ)K (z)
R 0 (r ) m2
 
∆φ 1 ∂

∂R(r )
 R 00 (r ) + + κ2 − 2 R(r ) = 0
0= = r + r r
φ rR(r ) ∂r ∂r
For κ 6= 0: Bessel equation of order m,
1 ∂ 2 F (ϕ)
+ + solutions:
r F (ϕ) ∂ϕ2
2

1 ∂ 2 K (z) R(r ) = α Jm (κr ) + βYm (κr ),

+ .
K (z) ∂z 2
where Jm , Ym are Bessel and Neumann
Dependence on ϕ, z only in the 2nd and
functions
3rd terms:
For κ = 0: Euler equation, solutions
1 ∂ 2 F (ϕ)
⇒ = −m2 = const, R(r ) = αr m + βr −m
F (ϕ) ∂ϕ2
F (ϕ) = e ±imϕ , Need boundary conditions to fix α, β, κ
F (ϕ + 2π) = F (ϕ) ⇒ m ∈ Z.

1 ∂ 2 K (z)
= κ2
K (z) ∂z 2
Laplace’s equation -the term in the 1st line depends only on
Spherical coordinates, φ(r , θ, ϕ) = r ; the term in the second line depend only
R(r )T (θ)F (ϕ) on θ
  ⇒they both are constants,
∆φ 1 ∂ ∂R(r )
0= = 2 r2 + 1 ∂

∂R(r )

φ r R(r ) ∂r ∂r r2 =λ
  R(r ) ∂r ∂r
1 ∂ ∂T (θ)
+ 2 sin θ 1 ∂

∂T (θ)

m2
r sin θT (θ) ∂θ ∂θ sin θ − 2 = −λ,
sin θT (θ) ∂θ ∂θ sin θ
1 ∂ 2 F (ϕ)
+ 2 .
r 2 sin θF (ϕ) ∂ϕ2 Equation for T (θ) after substitution
Dependence 2on ϕ only in the last term θ → z = cos θ turns into classical equa-
1 ∂ F (ϕ)
⇒ = −m2 = const, tion for associated Legendre polynomi-
F (ϕ) ∂ϕ2
als, has nonsingular solutions only if λ =
F (ϕ) = e ±imϕ , −`(` + 1), ` ∈ N
F (ϕ + 2π) = F (ϕ) ⇒ m ∈ Z.  
d d
(1 − x 2 ) P`m (x) +
Remaining equation: dx dx
 
 
∆φ 1 ∂ ∂R(r ) m2  m
0 = r2 = r2 + + `(` + 1) −

 P` (x) = 0,
φ R(r ) ∂r ∂r | {z } 1 − x 2
m2 −λ
   
1 ∂ ∂T (θ)
+ sin θ − 2
sin θT (θ) ∂θ ∂θ sin θ ⇒ T (θ)F (ϕ) ∼ Y`m (θ, ϕ)
Laplace’s equation Equation for R(r ):
Spherical coordinates, φ(r , θ, ϕ) =
R(r )T (θ)F (ϕ) 2 0 `(` + 1)
R 00 + R − R=0
  r r2
∆φ 1 ∂ ∂R(r )
0= = 2 r2 + β`m
φ r R(r ) ∂r ∂r ⇒ R` (r ) = α`m r ` + , α`m , β`m = const
  r `+1
1 ∂ ∂T (θ)
+ 2 sin θ
r sin θT (θ) ∂θ ∂θ
X β`m

1 ∂ 2 F (ϕ) ⇒ φ(r ) = α`m r ` + `+1 Y`m (θ, ϕ) .
+ 2 2 . r
r sin θF (ϕ) ∂ϕ2 `m

|m|
 α`m , β`m are unknown coefficients,
⇒ T (θ)F (ϕ) = P` (cos θ) e imφ should be fixed from boundary conditions
∼ Y`m (θ, ϕ)

-”spherical harmonics”, m ∈ Z, ` ∈
N, |m| < ` due to periodicity in ϕ and
requirement that result is not singular.
In what follows we’ll just use Y`m (θ, φ)
for angular part
(actually Y`m includes normalization con-
stant in front of P`m e imφ )
Laplace’s equation

∆φ = 0
X ` β`m

⇒ φ(r ) = α`m r + `+1 Y`m (θ, ϕ) . (1)
r
`m

 Now we’ll see how we can fix unknown

coefficients in concrete problems

The spherical capacitor consists of two

concentric metallic spheres of radii R1
and R2 . Assume that the voltage
(difference of potentials) between the
spheres is V . Evaluate the electric field
inside the capacitor.
Laplace’s equation
Boundary conditions: φ (R1 ) =
∆φ = 0 0, φ (R2 ) = V
X ` β`m
 In view of symmetry, expect φ should be
⇒ φ(r ) = α`m r + `+1 Y`m (θ, ϕ) . (1)
r spherically symmetric, no dependence on
`m
θ, ϕ
 Now we’ll see how we can fix unknown
⇒a`m = b`m = 0 for ` > 0, m 6= 0
coefficients in concrete problems
  
β00
The spherical capacitor consists of two ⇒ φ(r ) = α00 + .
r
concentric metallic spheres of radii R1
Can fix α00 , β00 using boundary condi-
and R2 . Assume that the voltage
tions:
(difference of potentials) between the
spheres is V . Evaluate the electric field β00
α00 + = 0,
inside the capacitor. R1
β00
Solution α00 + = V,
R2
 Spherical symmetry of the problem
R2 R 1 R2
⇒more convenient to work in spherical ⇒ α00 = V , β00 = − V
R 2 − R1 R2 − R 1
coordinates ⇒The potential is fully fixed by boundary
 General solution of Laplace’s equation
conditions
found in previous slide, no need to repeat
Laplace’s equation
∆φ = 0
 Have seen that can solve in different
systems
 The choice of the “best” system is dic-
tated by symmetries (e.g. imagine what
boundary conditions You would have to
use for spherical capacitor in Cartesian ref-
erence frame)
Sometimes more than one coordinate
system might be used
Control questions
What conditions can we use as “bound-
ary conditions” ? Could we impose condi-
tions for field E instead of φ?
Are boundary conditions sufficient to fix
the solution ? Does Laplace’s equation
permit more than one solution in certain
cases ?
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Chat
 Proof (reductio ad absurdum):
Laplace’s equation Assume φ1 (r ) and φ2 (r ) satisfy the same
∆φ = 0 boundary conditions
Two types of boundary conditions: U(r ) := φ1 (r ) − φ2 (r )
 Dirichlet boundary condition: fix poten-
tial, φ|S on surface S should satisfy ∆U = 0, though with zero
 Neumann boundary condition: fix nor- boundary conditions
∇ · (U∇U) = U∆U + (∇U)2
mal component of E

∂φ  Apply Gauss theorem to both parts, inte-
n · E |S = − n · ∇φ|S = − grate over
 the volume inside
 surface S
∂n S ˆ
where n is a normal vector. ∆U + (∇U)2  =
dV U |{z}
 If we have more than one surface, can =0
˛ ˛
have different types of b.c. at different
 
∂U
surfaces = d S · (U ∇U) = dS U
∂n
 Use either Dirichlet or Neumann, but For Dirichlet b.c. U = 0 at the surface
not both at the same surface (incompati- For Neumann ∂U/∂n = 0 at the surface
ble or redundant) ˆ
Uniqueness theorem ⇒ dV (∇U)2 = 0

There is only one solution of the Laplace ⇒U = const inside volume; const = 0
equation which satisfies all the Dirichlet due to b.c. for Dirichlet, arbitrary value
or Neumann boundary conditions. for Neumann.
Green function ρ
φhomog = 0 for isolated distribution of
∆φ = − charges
0
If ∃ additional border conditions, need
we got result as a sum of homogeneous & to take them into account
“particular solution” In simplest cases could do this properly
φ = φhomog + φpart choosing “correct” reference frame, in-
spiration from symmetry properties
In general case not possible. Recall
ˆ that b.c. are imposed on full φ, and
1 1
⇒ φpart (r ) = − d 3 r 1 ρ (r 1 ) , if φpart 6= 0, end up with highly non-
4π0 |r − r 1 |
trivial b.c. for φhomog even for simplest
Can rewrite φpart using Green function geometries.
of Laplace’s operator (∆), which satisfies Example: electric charge near the sur-
face
∆G (r ) = δ 3 (r )

(sometimes factors like (2π)3 etc might be

included in definition by some authors)
Frequently G is taken as
1 1
G (r ) = − GOAL: get general formula for arbitrary
4π |r |
Note that limr →∞ G (r ) = 0 border conditions
Green function ρ
Green identity:
∆φ = − (1)
0 ∇ (G ∇ψ − ψ∇G ) = (G ∆ψ − ψ∆G )

φ = φhomog + φpart Integrate both parts over volume inside

surface S, apply Gauss’ theorem:
ˆ ˆ
⇒ φpart (r ) = d 3 r 1 G (r − r 1 ) ρ (r 1 ) , (2) dV (G ∆ψ − ψ∆G ) =
˛
⇒ Green function of ∆ is NOT unique, = d S · (G ∇ψ − ψ∇G )
can add arbitrary F , ˛  
∂ψ ∂G
1 = dS G −ψ
G r, r0 = −


+F (r , r 0 ), ∂n ∂n
4π |r − r 0 |
 Let’s set ψ = φ and take into account
∆F (r , r 0 ) = 0
equations (1-3):
still satisfy formal mathematical defini- ˆ
dV 0 G (r − r 0 ) ρ − φ(r 0 )δ(r − r 0 ) =


tion:
∆G (r ) = δ 3 (r ) (3) ˛
∂φ(r 0 )

 Can choose F to facilitate introduction dS G (r − r 0 ) −
∂n
of boundary conditions
∂G (r − r 0 )

− φ(r 0 )
∂n
  Neumann boundary condition
Green function
ˆ Naive guess: ∂G

N 
= 0 (???)
∂n 
S
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 G (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+ -will lead to problems, since
˛
∂G (r − r 0 ) ∆GN (r ) = δ 3 (r ) (2)

+ dS φ(r 0 ) − ˆ ˛
∂n
dV ∆GN = d S · ∇GN
∂φ(r 0 )

− G (r − r 0 ) (1)
∂n0
| {z }
=1
˛ 
We have freedom what boundary condi- ∂GN 
= dS
tion to impose on G ∂n S
 Dirichlet boundary condition: 
Choose GD |S = 0, so the derivative term ⇒Should use ∂G N 
∂n 
= S1 (!)
S
∂φ/∂n in (1) does not contribute Final result for ψ :
ˆ ˆ
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+ ⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GN (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+
˛ ˛
∂GD (r − r 0 ) ∂φ(r 0 )
+ dS φ(r 0 ) + hφi − dS GN (r − r 0 ) ,
∂n ∂n0
˛ 
hφi = dS φ /S = const

Common special case: surface S → ∞,

hφi = 0
Green function (1,2) formally integral equations
 Dirichlet boundary condition:  In right-hand side φ, ∂φ/∂n are given
on a surface S and thus are fixed by border
ˆ
conditions
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+ ⇒(1,2) allow to recover the potentials
˛ if b.c. and distributions of charges are
∂GD (r − r 0 )
+ dS φ(r 0 ) (1) known.
∂n
 The last terms (in red)-ficticious exter-
 Neumann boundary condition nal charges introduced to satisfy boundary
conditions
ˆ Sometimes can “guess” (from symme-
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GN (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 ) + (2) try) where to put this extra charges to
˛
∂φ(r 0 ) satisfy border conditions (“method of
+ hψi − dS GN (r − r 0 ) ,
∂n0 images”)
˛ 
hφi = dS φ /S

Common special case: surface S → ∞,

hφi = 0
Electrostatics short test - border condition

 Please send me via ZOOM Chat your

suggestions/possible ideas how to solve
The electric charge e is located at a
distance a from the plane metallic this problem
surface. Evaluate the electric field in this
system. Assume that φ = 0 at the
surface.
Electrostatics short test - border condition
⇒Dirichlet-style problem, ⇒Recover result in “method of im-
ˆ ages” which introduces a fictitious electric
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+ charge inside the metal to satisfy φ = 0 at
˛ the surface:
∂GD (r − r 0 )
+ dS φ(r 0 ) (1) e θ(z) 1
∂n φ= p −
4πε0 x 2 + y 2 + (z − a)2
 Since φ = 0, last term in (1) (in red) !
simply does not contribute 1
− p . (3)
⇒Need to find Green function GD which x 2 + y 2 + (z + a)2
satisfies GD = 0 on the surface (z = 0)
and ∆GD (r , r 0 ) = δ (r − r 0 ) . Can evaluate the distribution of surface
charges Σ from divE~ = ρ/ε0 , so E⊥ ≡
Can check that GD Ez = Σ/ε0 where

θ(z) 1 Σ = −ε0 ∂z φ(z = 0) =

GD (r , r 0 ) = −
ea 1
p
4πε0 x + y + (z − a)2
2 2
=
! 4π (x 2 + y 2 + a2 )3/2
1
− p . (2)
x 2 + y 2 + (z + a)2

satisfies the required conditions (assume

r 0 = (0, 0, a)).
Electrostatics short test - border condition
What we learned today is more general Using general solution
than just method of image:
ˆ
The electric charge e is located at a ⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+
distance a from the plane metallic ˛
∂GD (r − r 0 )
surface. Evaluate the electric field in this + dS φ(r 0 ) (2)
system. Assume that ∂n
φ(x, y , z = 0) = f (x, y )-is some known and ∂G /∂n ≡ ∂G /∂z, can get for this
(arbitrary) function at the surface. case
ˆ
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+
˛
∂GD (r − r 0 )
+ dS φ(r 0 ) =
∂n
e θ(z) 1
= p −
4πε0 x 2 + y 2 + (z − a)2
Still Dirichlet problem, so can use GD !
from previous problem (see the last slide) 1
− p +
x 2 + y 2 + (z + a)2
ˆ
∂GD (r − r 0 ) 

+ dx 0 dy 0 0 0
 0 f (x , y )
∂z 0 z =0
Electrostatics short test - border condition
 Dirichlet boundary condition:

ˆ
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GD (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 )+
˛
∂GD (r − r 0 )
+ dS φ(r 0 ) (1)
∂n
 Neumann boundary condition

ˆ
⇒ φ(r ) = dV 0 GN (r − r 0 ) ρ(r 0 ) + (2)
˛
∂φ(r 0 )
+ hψi − dS GN (r − r 0 ) ,
∂n0
˛ 
hφi = dS φ /S

Common special case: surface S → ∞, hφi = 0

Can also apply these techniques to more complicated geometries (sphere, ...)-we will
see this with more details in the next lecture