Physics 606: Electrodynamics Homework 2

Due: Monday, September 27

Problem 1: Mean value theorem

Prove the mean value theorem: For a 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.

Problem 2: Green function example

Consider a potential problem in the half-space defined by z ≥ 0, with Dirich-

let boundary conditions on the plane z = 0 (and at infinity).
(a) Write down the appropriate Green function G(r, r′ ).
(b) If the potential on the plane z = 0 is specified to be φ = V inside a circle
of radius a centered on the origin and φ = 0 outside that circle, find an integral
expression for the potential at the point P specified in terms of cylindrical
coordinates (r, θ, z).
(c) Show that, along the axis of the circle r = 0, the potential is given by
 
z
φ=V 1− √ . (1)
a2 + z 2

(d) Show that at large distances (r2 + z 2 ≪ a2 ), the potential can be expanded
in a power series in (r2 + z 2 )−1 , and that the leading terms are

V a2 3a2 5(3r2 a2 + a4 )
 
z
φ= 1 − + + · · · . (2)
2 (r2 + z 2 )3/2 4(r2 + z 2 ) 8(r2 + z 2 )2

Verify that the results of (c) and (d) are consistent with each other in their
common range of validity.

Problem 3: Method of images

A point charge q is brought to a position a distance d away from an 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

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(b) the force between the plane and the charge by using Coulomb’s law for the
force between the charge and its image
(c) the total force acting on the plane by integrating 2πσ 2 over the whole plane
(d) the work necessary to remove the charge q from its position to infinity
(e) the potential energy between the charge q and its image [compare to (d) and
discuss]

Problem 4: Method of images II

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
(b) the induced surface-charge density
(c) the magnitude and direction of the force acting on q.
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?