Lecture-7

Electric Potential, Laplace and

Poissons equations
Line integral of Electric field: Electric Potential
Electric field at a field point r, due to a point
charge at origin:
r
r
q
E

4
1
2
0

}
=
b
a
l d E ?

After the discussion of area integral of E over the surface (Flux q/
0
),
what about Line integral of E from some point a to some other point b?
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
b a
r r
q 1 1
4
0

dr
r
q
l d E
b
a
b
a
} }
=
2
0
4
1

( ) ( ) a V b V l d E
b
a
=
}

( )
}

=
r
l d E r V

And if a=, b=r

The electric potential at a distance r from the point charge is the work done
per unit charge in bringing a test charge from infinity to that point.
The integral around a closed path is zero
0 =
}
l d E

( ) ( ) ( ) l d V a V b V
b
a

V =
}
The integral around a closed path is zero
0 =
}
l d E

Using Stokes theorem =>
( ) 0 . = = V
} }
l s
l d E a d E

0 = V E

Hence curl of E
Relation between E and V
r
r V
or V E
c
c
V =
) (

As fundamental theorem for gradient is

Surface over which Potential is constant is called an equi-potential
surface.
Reference point : convention at infinity.
Superposition principle: V=V
1
+V
2
+..
Unit: Nm/C or Joule/C or VOLT
( ) 0 = V
Curl of E ?
In electrostatics only means
no moving charge or current
Numerical
Find the potential inside and outside a uniformly charged solid sphere of radius
R and total charge q. Use infinity as your reference point. Sketch V(r) .
Ans :
R
2
r
kQ
E =
r
kQ
dr
r
kQ
V
r
= =
}

2
Electric field at r > R:
Electric potential at r > R:

3
R
kQr
E =
( )
|
|
.
|

\
|
= =
=
} }

2
2
2 2
3
3 2
3
2
2 R
r
R
kQ
R r
R
kQ
R
kQ
V
rdr
R
kQ
dr
r
kQ
V
r
R
R
Electric field at r < R:
Electric
potential
at r < R:


E V
0
c

= V E .
?
V E V =
}
=

r
V dl E.
r
a
r
dv
E
2
0
4
1
}
=

tc

r
a
r
dv
V
}
=

tc
0
4
1

Conversion from one to another .

Poisson's and Laplace's Equation
The electric field is related to the charge density by
the divergence relationship

and the electric field is related to the electric potential by a
gradient relationship

Therefore the potential is related to the charge density by
Poisson's equation

where DEL SQUARE is called Laplacian operator.
In a charge-free region of space, this becomes
Laplace's equation


E V
0
c

= V E .
0
2
c

= V V
V E V =
}
=

r
V dl E.
r
a
r
dv
E
2
0
4
1
}
=

tc

r
a
r
dv
V
}
=

tc
0
4
1

Summary:
Conversion from one to another
Spherical in a
r
a
r
a
r
al Cylinderic in a
z
a
r
a
r
Cartesian in a
z
a
y
a
x
only Gradient taking For system coordinate dif f erent in operator
r
z r
z y x
| u
|
| u u
|

sin
1

.
:
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V
V
Note: Del Operator
System Coordinates dl
1
dl
2
dl
3
Cartesian x,y,z dx dy dz
Cylindrical r, ,z dr rd dz
Spherical r,, dr rd r sind

Spherical in
r r
r
r
r
r
al Cylinderic in
z r
r
r
r r
Cartesian in
z y x
2
2
2 2 2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
sin
1
sin
sin
1 1
1 1
.
| u
u
u
u
u
|
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
c
c
+
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V
V V V : syst ems coor di nat e di f f er ent i n ) . ( oper at or
2
Note: Laplaces Operator
Numerical: 1
Show that potential function V(x,y,z) or V(r)
satisfies the Laplaces equation.
Given
r
Q
k or
z y x
Q
k z y x V
2 2 2
+ +
= ) , , (
In Cartesian Coordinates
In Spherical Polar coordinates
Solution 1: In Cartesian coordinates
0
), 1 ( ) 5 ( ), 4 ( ), 3 (
) 5 ( ...
) ( ) (
3
) 4 ( ...
) ( ) (
3
) 3 ( ...
) ( ) (
3
) 2 ( ..... ........ ) (
) 1 ( ..... )..... , , (
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2 / 3 2 2 2 2 / 5 2 2 2
2
2
2
2 / 3 2 2 2 2 / 5 2 2 2
2
2
2
2 / 3 2 2 2 2 / 5 2 2 2
2
2
2
2 / 3 2 2 2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V
(
(

+ +

+ +
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
=
c
c
(
(

+ +

+ +
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
=
c
c
(
(

+ +

+ +
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
=
c
c
+ + =
c
c
|
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
+
c
c
+
c
c
= V

z
V
y
V
x
V
V
get we in f rom values ng Substituti
z y x
q
z y x
qz
k
z
V
z
z
V
z y x
q
z y x
qy
k
y
V
y
y
V
similarly
z y x
q
z y x
qx
k
x
V
x
x
V
and
z y x kqx
x
V
z y x V
z y x
V
Solution 1:
in spherical polar coordinates
0
) (
1
) (
1
0 0 ) (
1
) ( )
sin
1
sin
sin
1 1
( ) (
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2 2 2
2
2
2
=
|
.
|

\
|

c
c
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
=
+ +
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
=
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
r
kQ
r
r r
r
kQ
r
r
r r
r V
r
r
r r
r V
r r r
r
r r
r V
| u u
u
u u
Lecture-8
Application of Laplace and Poissonian
equation
Numerical: Work out D 7.1 (page 175, 7
th
ed) from Hayt book
1
4
2
+
=
x
yz
V
| 2 cos 5
2
r V =
(b) at P

) 2 , 3 / , 3 ( = = = z r t |
(C )
,
cos 2
2
r
V
|
=
at P
) 60 , 45 , 5 . 0 ( = = = | u r
Ans: 12V, - 106.2 pC/m
3
; 22.5 V , 0; 4V,-141.7 pC/m3
(a) at P(1,2,3)
Calculate the numerical value for V and
v
at point P in
free space if
0
2
: Hint
c

= V V
Numerical
Does potential function 2(x
2
-y
2
+z) satisfies
Laplaces equation?
Determine potential outside a charged
conducting sphere of radius R, using
Laplaces equation.
Given V=V
0
at r=R
= 0 at r=infinite.
Ans: Yes
0
2
= V V
Solution:
In Cartesian or Rectangular coordinates
2 2 2
2
2 2 2
c c c
V + +
c c c
= = 0 ( )
V V V
V cartesian
x y z
Applications: Laplaces and Poissons equation
--- (1)
One dimensional solution of Laplaces Equation in
rectangular coordinate system
Let V be a function of z only. Then Laplaces Equation reduces to
2
2
2
0
V
V
z
c
V = =
c
--- (2)
Solution of this equation constants , , are B A where B AZ V + = --- (3)
Equation (3) represents a family of equi potential surfaces with z taking
up constant values.
Consider two such equi potential surfaces
one at z = z
1
and the other at z = z
2
.

Let V= V
1
at z = z
1
and V = V
2
at z = z
2

We immediately recognize that this is the case with a parallel plate capacitor
with a plate separation of z
1
~ z
2
= d and a potential difference V
1
~ V
2
.

Applying the above two conditions, called boundary conditions, we get,
1 1
2 2
V V Az B
V V Az B
= = +
= = +
--- (4)
--- (5)
Z
Solving equations (5) and (6) we get the values for A and B as
2 1
2 1
1 2 2 1
2 1
V V
A
z z
V z V z
B
z z

Substituting the values of A and B in equation (4) we get,

2 1 1 2 2 1
2 1 2 1
2 1 1 2
2 1
( ) ( )
V V Vz V z
V z
z z z z
V z z V z z
z z

= +


=

--- ( 6)
Further let, for simplicity, V
1
= 0 at z
1
= 0 and V
2
= V
a
at z
2
=z
V = V
2
= V
a
V = V
1
= 0

d
z=z
2

z
1
=0
Fig 1 Parallel plate capacitor
Then equation (6) reduces to
a
V
V z
d
=
We find that V is a linear function of z
--- (8)
Next by choosing V as a function of x or y the solution of the
Laplaces equation is the same and no new problems are solved.

Now, in cylindrical coordinates, the Laplaces equation becomes
In Cylindrical coordinates: r dependent only
Applications: Laplaces and Poissons equation
al Cylinderic in V
z r
r
r
r r
V
|
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
+
c
c
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
2
2
2
2
2
2
1 1
|
We consider that V is a function of r only. In this case
the Laplaces equation in cylindrical coordinates reduces to
B r A V or
A
r
V
r or
r
V
r
r r
V
+ =
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
ln
) 1 ( 0
1
2
From this equation, we observe that equipotential surfaces
are given by r = constant and are cylinders. Example of the
problem is that of a coaxial capacitor or coaxial cable.
Let us create the boundary conditions by choosing
V = V
a
at r = a and V = V
b
at r = b, b > a.
Then we get from the above equation,
B b n l A V V
B a n l A V V
b
a
+ = =
+ = =
Solving these two equations for A and B we get
|
.
|

\
|

=
|
.
|

\
|

=
b
a
b V a V
B d n a
b
a
V V
A
a b b a
ln
ln ln
ln
Substituting these the values of A and B in the general
Expression for V , we get
|
.
|

\
|

+
|
.
|

\
|

=
b
a
b V a V
r
b
a
V V
V
a b b a
ln
ln ln
ln
ln
Letting V
b
= 0, we get
|
.
|

\
|
|
.
|

\
|
=
a
b
r
b
V V
a
ln
ln
al Cylinderic in V
r
V 0
1
2
2
2
2
=
|
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
= V
|
Next we consider V as a function of only. In this case
The Laplaces equation in cylindrical coordinate system
reduces to
In Cylindrical coordinates: dependent only
| = + V A B
This is the general equation for
V, when V is a function of
only.
From this equation, we observe that equipotential surfaces
are given by = constant planes, To visualize this, let us choose two such
equipotential surfaces, V = V
a
at = and V = 0 at = 0. An example of the
problem is that of a corner reflector antenna ,a very useful antenna system in
communication systems.
For the chosen boundary condition, we get
and
a
V
A
|
=
Thus the general expression for V becomes
0 0 0
a
V V A B
V A B B
o = = +
= = + =
a
V
V |
o
=
In this system we consider that V is a function of r only.
Then the Laplaces equation reduces to
0
1
2
2
2
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
r
V
r
r
r
V
Again we exclude r = 0 from our solutions. Multiplying both
Sides by r
2
we get
0
2
=
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
r
V
r
r
--- ( a)
--- ( b)
0
1 1 1
2
2
2 2 2
2
2
2
=
u c
c
u
+
|
.
|

\
|
u c
c
u
u c
c
u
+
|
.
|

\
|
c
c
c
c
= V
V
sin r
V
sin
sin r
r
V
r
r
r
V
In Spherical coordinates: r dependent only
Applications: Laplaces and Poissons equation
Integrating once again, we get
2
V
r A
r
c
=
c
2
V A
or
r r
c
=
c
A
o r V B
r
= +
where A and B are arbitrary constants to be evaluated. This
equation represents a family of equi potential surfaces for
r = constant.
Let us choose two such equipotential surfaces at r = a and
r = b, b > a , such that at r = a, V = V
a
and at r = b, V = V
b

--- ( c)
--- ( d)
We immediately recognize that this is the example of concentric
spheres or Spherical capacitor
a
b
A
V B
a
A
V B
b
= +
= +
Solving these two equations we get
--- ( e)
--- ( f)
1 1
a b
V V
A
a b

=
| |

|
\ .
and
1 1
1 1
a b
V V
b a
B
b a

=
| |

|
\ .
Substituting the values of A and B in equation (d), we get,
1 1
1
1 1 1 1
a b
a b
V V
V V
b a
V
r
a b b a
| | | |

| |

| |
\ . \ .
= +
|
| | | |
\ .

| |
\ . \ .
1 1
1
1 1 1 1
b a
a b
V V
V V
a b
o r V
r
a b a b
| | | |

| |

| |
\ . \ .
= +
|
| | | |
\ .

| |
\ . \ .
--- (g)
Let V
b
= 0 Then equation (g) becomes
1 1
1 1
a
r b
V V
a b
| |

|
\ .
=
| |

|
\ .
Lecture-9

Electric field and Force per unit
area on the surface of a charged
conductor
Finally let us consider V as a function of only . In this case
The Laplaces equation reduces to
2
2
1
0 u
u u u
c c
| |
V =
|
c c
\ .
V= sin
sin
V
r
In Spherical coordinates: Theta dependent only
u u
c
=
c sin
V A
Integrating once again, we get,
2 u = + ln(tan / ) V A B
This equation represents a family of equipotential surfaces for
constant . Let us consider two such equipotential surfaces at
=/2, V = 0 and at = , V = Va.
The equipotential surfaces are cones as shown in figure below.
Such a system is called a conical antenna
Applying these two boundary conditions to the equation (i) and
solving it for A and B, substituting these values in (i),we get,
2
2
u
o
=
ln(tan / )
ln(tan / )
a
V V
We follow our usual procedure and determine the capacitance
of the conical antenna
We have
2
2
u
o
=
ln(tan / )
ln(tan / )
a
V V
We use E = - V V to find the field strength, as
1
2
u u
u u o
c
= V = =
c

sin (tan / )
a
V V
E V a a
r r ln
In the interior of the conductor
NET FIELD IS ZERO.
Conductors
= 0 inside a conductor.
E

V =
0

0 0 = = E

Any net charge resides on the

surface
E is to the surface, outside a conductor.
E=0
E
+q
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A cavity in a conductor
If +q is placed in the cavity, -q is induced on the surface of the cavity.
Gaussian
surface
E
A
F
f E A F or E q F o o = = = = ,
Force on the surface of conductor
Note1: Force on a charge q (or surface charge density ) placed
in an external field E

:

Electric Field outside a conductor
n E

0

Note 2: BUT E is discontinuous across a surface charge distribution

Therefore On the surface, force per unit area :
( )
below above
E E f

+ =
2
1
n f
2
1
2
0
o
c
=

Where P is outward electrostatic Pressure on the conductor

surface.
2
0
2
1
E P =
Force (per unit area) on the conductor surface:
or
In our case: E
above
=/
0
and E
below
is zero. Hence
Prob. 2.37:
Two large metal plates (each of area A) are held a distance d apart.
Suppose we put a charge Q on each plate, what is the electrostatic
pressure on the plates ?
Answer:
2
0
2
2 A
Q
P

=