EP-308 (Spring 2016) Tutorial Sheet-1

Starred problems to be submitted on 28th January

1 . The time averaged potential of a neutral hydrogen atom is given by
er
r
1+
,
r
2


(r) = q

where = 2/a0 (with a0 the Bohr radius). Find the distribution of charge which gives
this potential. What is the appropriate physical interpretation of your result?
2. Two semi-infinite metallic sheets form an L-shaped wedge. Assume that one sheet
is defined by 0 x , z and the other sheet is defined by 0 y
, z . There is a small insulating material along the z-axis so that the two
planes are not in electrical contact with each other. Determine the potential (x, y) in
the region 0 x, y if sheet in the x z plane is at potential V and the other sheet
is at potential V , where V is a constant.
3 . Consider the same sheets as in problem-2. Now the sheet in x z plane has uniform
charge density and the sheet in y z plane has uniform charge density . Calculate
the potential (x, y) in the region 0 x, y .
4. Two halves of a long hollow conducting cylinder of inner radius b are separated by
small lengthwise gaps on each side. The upper side is kept potential V1 and the lower side
is kept at potential V2 . Show that the potential inside the cylinder us given by
!

2br
V1 + V2 V1 V2
+
tan1 2
cos ,
(r, ) =
2

b r2
where r is the cylindrical radial coordinate.