Electromagnetism: Worked Examples

University of Oxford
Second Year, Part A2

Caroline Terquem
Department of Physics

[email protected]

Michaelmas Term 2018

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Contents

1 Potentials 5
1.1 Potential of an infinite line charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2 Vector potential of an infinite wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Potential of a sphere with a charge density σ = k cos θ . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Multipole expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.5 Electric dipole moment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 Electric fields in matter 13

2.1 Field of a uniformly polarized sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.2 D and E of an insulated straight wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 D and E of a cylinder with polarization along the axis . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.4 Linear dielectric sphere with a charge at the center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3 Magnetic fields in matter 19

3.1 Field of a uniformly magnetized sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.2 Field of a cylinder with circular magnetization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3 H and B of a cylinder with magnetization along the axis . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.4 H and B of a linear insulated straight wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3
Most of the problems are taken from: David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics,
4th edition (Cambridge University Press)

4
Chapter 1

Potentials

1.1 Potential of an infinite line charge

(a) A straight wire, assumed infinitely long, has a constant linear charge density λ.
Calculate the electric field due to the wire. Use this result to calculate the electric
potential.

Given the symmetry of the system, the electric

field at the point P is:
ˆ
λdz
E= 2
cos θ.
wire 4π0 d

Using d = r/ cos θ and z = r tan θ, which yields

dz = rdθ/ cos2 θ, we get:
ˆ π/2
λ λ
E= cos θdθ = .
4π0 r −π/2 2π0 r

Using cylindrical coordinates, E = −∇V yields:

λ
V =− ln r + C,
2π0
where C is a constant. We see that the reference point for V cannot be taken at
infinity (that is, we cannot have V = 0 when r → +∞).

(b) Show that equation (1.12) from the lecture notes cannot be used to calculate the
potential.
Using equation (1.12) would yield:
ˆ +∞
λ dz λ
V = √ = [arcsinh(x)]+∞
−∞ ,
4π0 −∞ 2
r +z 2 4π0
which gives an infinite result. Equation (1.12) is not valid here because it assumes
that the reference point for the potential is at infinity, which cannot be satisfied
when the wire extends to infinity.

5
1.2 Vector potential of an infinite wire

(a) A straight wire, assumed infinitely long, carries a current I. Calculate the magnetic
field due to the wire. Use this result to calculate the vector potential.

Assuming the current is along the z–

direction, Ampère’s law gives the magnetic
field:
µ0 I
B= θ̂,
2πr
where θ̂ is the unit vector in the azimuthal
direction.

We look for A such that ∇×A = B = B θ̂. In cylindrial coordinates, the θ–

component of the curl is ∂Ar /∂z − ∂Az /∂r. Given the symmetry of the system, A
cannot depend on z, so that we are left with:
∂Az µ0 I µ0 I
− = =⇒ A = − ln r ẑ.
∂r 2πr 2π
Note that any vector with zero curl could be added to this solution.

(b) Show that equation (1.13) (or equation [1.16]) from the lecture notes cannot be used
to calculate the vector potential.

Using the z–component of equation (1.16) would yield:

ˆ
µ0 +∞ Idz µ0
Az = √ = [arcsinh(x)]+∞
−∞ ,
4π −∞ 2
r +z 2 4π

which gives an infinite result. As in the case of the infinite line charge above,
equation (1.16) is not valid here because it assumes that the reference point for
the vector potential is at infinity, which cannot be satisfied when the wire extends
to infinity.

6
1.3 Potential of a sphere with a charge density σ = k cos θ
We consider a sphere of radius R and a spherical coordinate system (r, θ, ϕ) with
origin at the centre of the sphere. A charge density σ = k cos θ is glued over the
surface of the sphere. Calculate the potential inside and outside the sphere using
separation of variables.

There is no charge inside and outside the sphere so that the potential V satisfies
Laplace’s equation ∇2 V = 0 at any r 6= R. As the charge density does not depend
on ϕ, V is also independent of ϕ. The general solution of Laplace’s equation in the
axisymmetric case is given by equation (1.32) from the lecture notes. We can then
write the potential inside and outside the sphere as:

∞ 
βlin
X 
in l
Vin (r, θ) = αl r + l+1 Pl (cos θ),
r
l=0
∞  (1.1)
βlout
X 
out l
Vout (r, θ) = αl r + l+1 Pl (cos θ).
r
l=0

Boundary conditions:

(i) Vout (r, θ) → 0 as r → +∞,

(ii) Vin (r, θ) finite inside the sphere,
(iii) Vin (R, θ) = Vout (R, θ) (V continuous),
σ ∂Vout ∂Vin k cos θ
(iv) E⊥ ⊥
out − Ein = ⇒− + = .
0 ∂r ∂r 0

General method (always works): we use the boundary conditions to calculate all
the coefficients.

• Condition (i) implies αlout = 0 ∀ l, condition (ii) implies βlin = 0 ∀ l, so that

equations (1.1) become:

∞
X
Vin (r, θ) = αlin rl Pl (cos θ),
l=0
∞ (1.2)
X β outl
Vout (r, θ) = Pl (cos θ).
rl+1
l=0

• Then condition (iii) implies:

∞ ∞
X X βlout
0
αlin Rl Pl (cos θ) = P 0 (cos θ),
l0 +1 l
0
R
l=0 l =0

7
 where we have renamed the index of summation l0 in the right–hand side to
make things more clear.

We now multiply each side of this equality by Pm (cos θ) sin θ and integrate from
0 to π:

∞ ˆ π ∞ ˆ π
X X βlout
0
αlin Rl Pl (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ = Pl0 (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ.
0 0
Rl0 +1 0
l=0 l =0

Using the orthogonality of the Legendre polynomials:

ˆ π
2
Pl (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ = δl,m ,
0 2l + 1
in Rm = β out /Rm+1 ∀ m. Therefore, equations (1.2) become:
we obtain αm m

∞
X
Vin (r, θ) = αlin rl Pl (cos θ),
l=0
∞ (1.3)
X R2l+1
Vout (r, θ) = αlin l+1 Pl (cos θ).
r
l=0

• Then condition (iv) implies:

∞
X k cos θ k
(2l + 1)αlin Rl−1 Pl (cos θ) = = P1 (cos θ),
0 0
l=0

where we have used the fact that cos θ = P1 (cos θ).

Here again, we multiply each side of this equality by Pm (cos θ) sin θ and inte-
grate from 0 to π:

∞ ˆ π ˆ π
X
in l−1 k
(2l+1)αl R Pl (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ = P1 (cos θ)Pm (cos θ) sin θdθ
0 0 0
l=0

The orthogonality of the Legendre polynomials then yields:

in m−1 2k
2αm R = δ1,m ,
30
in = 0 for m 6= 1 and αin = k/(3 ).
that is, αm 1 0

Finally, equations (1.3) then become:

k
Vin (r, θ) = r cos θ,
30
(1.4)
k R3
Vout (r, θ) = cos θ.
30 r2

8
Shorter method (works in this particular case): we “guess” some of the coefficients
and use the boundary conditions to calculate the others.

As the surface charge density is proportional to cos θ, we expect that the poten-
tial itself is propotional to cos θ. Therefore, we can assume that all the terms
in equations (1.1) are 0 except for l = 1. We will check a posteriori that this
assumption is correct. We then write directly:

β in
 
Vin (r, θ) = αin r + 2 cos θ,
r
(1.5)
β out
 
out
Vout (r, θ) = α r + 2 cos θ.
r

As above, the boundary conditions (i) and (ii) yield β in = 0 and αout = 0.
Conditions (iii) and (iv) can then be used to calculate αin and β out .

Finally, we have found a solution that satisfies Laplace’s equation and the
boundary conditions. As the solution is unique, this is the correct one, and
that justifies a posteriori the assumption we have made to start with.

9
1.4 Multipole expansion
A sphere of radius R, centered at the origin, carries charge density:

R
ρ(r, θ) = k (R − 2r) sin θ,
r2
where k is a constant, and r, θ are the usual spherical coordinates. Find the approx-
imate potential for points on the z axis, far from the sphere.

We use equation (1.35) from the lecture notes with O the center of the sphere and
M on the z–axis, so that γ = θ and r = z.

• Monopole term: ˚
1 Q
V0 (z) = ρ(r)dτ = ,
4π0 z V 4π0 z
with dτ = r2 sin θ dr dθ dϕ and Q is the total charge of the sphere. Here:
ˆ R ˆ 2π ˆ π
Q = kR (R − 2r) dr dϕ sin2 θdθ.
r=0 ϕ=0 θ=0

The integral over r is 0 so that V0 (z) = 0 .

• Dipole term: ˚
1
V1 (z) = r cos θρ(r)dτ.
4π0 z 2 V

Here:
ˆ R ˆ 2π ˆ π
kR
V1 (z) = (R − 2r) rdr dϕ sin2 θ cos θdθ.
4π0 z 2 r=0 ϕ=0 θ=0

The integral over θ is 0 so that V1 (z) = 0 .

• Quadrupole term:
˚
1 1
r2 3 cos2 θ − 1 ρ(r)dτ.


V2 (z) =
4π0 z 3 V 2

Here:
ˆ R ˆ 2π ˆ π
kR 2
3 cos2 θ − 1 sin2 θdθ.


V2 (z) = (R − 2r) r dr dϕ
8π0 z 3 r=0 ϕ=0 θ=0

The integral over r is −R4 /6 and the integral over θ is −π/8, so that:

1 kπ 2 R5
V (z) ' V3 (z) = .
4π0 48z 3

10
1.5 Electric dipole moment

Four charges are placed as shown. Calculate

the electric dipole moment of the distribution
and find an approximate formula for the po-
tential, valid far from the origin (use spherical
coordinates).

Since the total charge is 0, the monopole term is also 0. The dipole term in the
expansion of the potential is given by:
1 p · r̂
V1 (r) = ,
4π0 r2
(equation 1.37 from the lecture notes) where r is the position vector, r̂ is the unit
vector along the radial direction in spherical coordinates and p is the electric dipole
moment. We have:
X
p= qi r0i ,
i

where r0i
denotes the position of the charge qi . Since the total charge is 0, p does
not depend on the choice of the origin from which we measure the positions. We use
O as the origin. Then we have:

p = (3qa − qa)ẑ + (−2qa + 2qa)ŷ = 2qaẑ,

where ẑ and ŷ are unit vectors. Therefore:

1 2qa cos θ
V (r) ' V1 (r) = ,
4π0 r2

where we have used ẑ · r̂ = cos θ.

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12
Chapter 2

Electric fields in matter

2.1 Field of a uniformly polarized sphere

(a) Find the electric field produced by a uniformly polarized sphere of radius R. (Hint:
use the results of example 1.3)

Inside the sphere, the volume charge density is ρp = −∇·P

which is 0 as the polarization is uniform. At the surface
of the sphere, there is a surface charge density σp = P · r̂,
where r̂ is the unit vector in the radial direction. We choose
the z–axis in the direction of P, so that σp = P cos θ in
spherical coordinates.

In example 1.3 we have calculated the potential of a sphere with a surface charge
density proportional to cos θ:

P
V (r, θ) = r cos θ, for r ≤ R,
30
(2.1)
P R3
V (r, θ) = cos θ, for r ≥ R.
30 r2

The electric field is:

∂V 1 ∂V
E = −∇V = − r̂ − θ̂,
∂r r ∂θ

where θ̂ is the unit vector in the azimuthal direction. Therefore:

13
 P
E=− ẑ, for r < R,
30
(2.2)
2p cos θ p sin θ
E= 3
r̂ + θ̂, for r > R,
4π0 r 4π0 r3

where we have used r cos θ = z and we have defined the total dipole moment of the
sphere p = (4/3)πR3 P .
We see that the field inside the sphere is uniform, whereas the field outside
the sphere is that of a perfect dipole p at the origin.

(b) Calculate the potential directly using equation 2.7 from the lecture notes.
Equation 2.7 gives:
˚
1 P(r0 )dτ 0 · (r − r0 )
V (r) = , (2.3)
4π0 V |r − r0 |3
where V is the volume of the sphere. We have seen in the lectures that this expression
is valid for calculating the potential both inside and outside the sphere. Since P is
uniform, it can be taken out of the integral, so that we obtain:
˚
(r − r0 )dτ 0
 
1
V (r) = P · . (2.4)
4π0 V |r − r0 |3
The term in brackets is the electric field E1 of a sphere with a uniform charge density
equal to unity. This electric field can be calculated using Gauss’s law and is given
by:

r
E1 = r̂, for r < R,
30
(2.5)
R3
E1 = r̂, for r > R.
30 r2

V = P · E1 can then be used to recover the potential.

Note that the parallel component

of E at the surface, Eθ (R), is con-
tinuous, whereas the perpendicular
component, Er (R), is discontinu-
ous:
σ
E⊥ ⊥
out − Ein = r̂.
0

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2.2 D and E of an insulated straight wire

A long straight wire, carrying uniform line

charge λ, is surrounded by rubber insulation
out to a radius a. Find the electric displace-
ment and the electric field.

Gauss’s law (2.16) from the lecture notes can be used to calculate D. Given the
symmetry of the problem, and using cylindrical coordinates, D depends only on the
distance r to the wire and is in the radial direction. We choose the Gaussian surface
to be a cylinder of radius r and length L around the wire. Then Gauss’s law yields
D × 2πrL = λL, that is:
λ
D= r̂,
2πr
where r̂ is the unit vector in the radial direction. This is true for all r > 0.
Outside the insulation, P = 0 so that:
D λ
E= = r̂.
0 2π0 r

Inside the insulation, E = (D − P)/0 , which we cannot calculate as we do not know

P.

2.3 D and E of a cylinder with polarization along the axis

A cylinder of finite size carries a “frozen–in” uniform polarization P, parallel to its
axis. (Such a cylinder is know as a bar electret). Find the polarization charges,
sketch the electric field and the electric displacement (use the boundary conditions).
Polarization charges: there is no volume charge as P is uniform, and the surface
charge is P · n̂ = +σ on one end and −σ on the other end.

Electric field: The bar is there-

fore like a physical dipole. Note
that electric field lines terminate
on charges, whether they are
bound or free, with E pointing to-
wards the negative charge. (Figure
from Purcell.)

15
 The perpendicular component of E is discontinuous at the surfaces:
±σ
E⊥ ⊥
out − Ein = n̂,
0

whereas the parallel component of E is continuous across the lateral surface.

Electric displacement: D = 0 E + P, therefore D = E outside the cylinder.
Since there is no free charge at the surfaces, the perpendicular component of D is
continuous there, so that D inside the cylinder goes from left to right. Note that
D lines terminate on free charges. As there are no free charges here, D lines are
continuous:

We see that even though there is no polarization outside the cylinder, D is non
zero there. This is because the polarization is discontinuous at the surface of the
cylinder, and along the lateral surface we have (see equation [2.22] from the lecture
notes):
k k
Din − Dout = P.

The discontinuity of P generates a non zero D outside.

2.4 Linear dielectric sphere with a charge at the center

A point charge q is embedded at the center of a sphere of linear dielectric material
(with susceptibility χe and radius R). Find the electric field, the polarization, and
the polarization charge densities, ρp and σp . What is the total polarization charge
on the surface? Where is the compensating negative polarization charge located?
Electric displacement: Given the symmetry of the problem, in spherical coordi-
nates, Gauss’s law yields:
q
D= r̂,
4πr2
for all r > 0, where r̂ is the unit vector in the radial direction.
Electric field: Inside the sphere, E = D/ with  = 0 (1 + χe ). Therefore:
q
E= r̂, for r < R,
4π0 (1 + χe )r2

and E = D/0 outside the sphere.

16
Polarization: P = 0 χe E inside the sphere, that is:
χe q
P= r̂, for r < R.
4π(1 + χe )r2

Volume polarization charge:

 
χe q r̂
ρp = −∇ · P = − ∇· .
4π(1 + χe ) r2

Using the definition of the δ function in 3 dimensions:

 
r̂
∇· = 4πδ 3 (r),
r2
we get:
χe
ρp = − q δ 3 (r).
1 + χe
Surface polarization charge:
χe q
σp = P(R) · r̂ = .
4π(1 + χe )R2

Therefore, the total surface charge is:

χe
Qsurf = σp × 4πR2 = q.
1 + χe
The compensating negative charge is at the center, which is implied by the fact that
the δ 3 function is non zero only at r = 0.

As P is radial, the dipoles in the sphere are

all aligned in the radial direction, leaving a net
charge at the center and at the surface only.

17
18
Chapter 3

Magnetic fields in matter

3.1 Field of a uniformly magnetized sphere

(a) Find the magnetic field produced by a uniformly magnetized sphere of radius R.
(Hint: use the results of Problem 7 in Problem Set 1)

Inside the sphere, the volume current

density is Jm = ∇×M which is 0 as
the magnetization is uniform. At the sur-
face of the sphere, there is a surface cur-
rent density Km = M×r̂. We choose
the z–axis in the direction of M, so that
Km = M sin θϕ̂ in spherical coordinates.

In Problem 7, Problem Set 1, we have calculated the magnetic field due to a spinning
sphere, which has a surface current density K proportional to sin θ in the ϕ̂–direction.
By making the appropriate replacement, we therefore get:

2
B = µ0 M, for r < R,
3
(3.1)
µ0 M R 3  
B= 2 cos θr̂ + sin θ θ̂ , for r > R.
3r3

We see that the field inside the sphere is uniform.

19
 We define the total dipole moment of the sphere m = (4/3)πR3 M . Then the field
outside the sphere can be written as:

µ0 m  
B= 2 cos θr̂ + sin θ θ̂ ,
4πr3

which is the field of a perfect dipole m at the origin.

(b) Calculate the vector potential A directly using equation 3.13 from the lecture notes.
Derive the magnetic field from A.

Equation 3.13 gives:

˚
µ0 M(r0 )dτ 0 ×(r − r0 )
A(r) = , (3.2)
4π V |r − r0 |3

where V is the volume of the sphere. We have seen in the lectures that this expression
is valid for calculating the potential both inside and outside the sphere. Since M is
uniform, it can be taken out of the integral, so that we obtain:

˚
(r − r0 )dτ 0
 
µ0
A(r) = M× . (3.3)
4π V |r − r0 |3

The term in brackets is the electric field E of a sphere with a uniform charge density
equal to µ0 0 . This electric field can be calculated using Gauss’s law and is given
by:

µ0 r
E= r̂, for r < R,
3
(3.4)
µ0 R 3
E= r̂, for r > R.
3r2

A = M×E if then equal to:

µ0 M r
A= sin θ ϕ̂, for r < R,
3
(3.5)
µ0 M R 3
A= sin θ ϕ̂, for r > R.
3r2

The magnetic field is given by:

1 ∂ 1 ∂
B = ∇×A = (sin θ A) r̂ − (rA) θ̂,
r sin θ ∂θ r ∂r

which leads to the same expressions as in (a).

20
 Field lines of a uniformly mag-
netized sphere. Note that the
perpendicular component of B at
the surface, Br (R), is continuous,
whereas the parallel component,
Bθ (R), is discontinuous:
k k
Bout − Bin = µ0 Km θ̂.

3.2 Field of a cylinder with circular magnetization

A long circular cylinder of radius R carries a magnetization M = kr2 ϕ̂, where k is
a constant, r the radius in cylindrical coordinates and ϕ̂ the unit vector in the az-
imuthal direction. Find the magnetic field due to M inside and outside the cylinder.
Calculate H using B and M and, independently, using the current distribution.
The volume current density is:
1 d
Jm = ∇×M = (rM ) ẑ = 3krẑ.
r dr

The surface current density is:

Km = M(R)×r̂ = −kR2 ẑ.

Note that the current is flowing up in the volume of the cylinder and returns down
along the surface. For a length L of the cylinder, the total current is:
ˆ R ˆ R
3
Itot = −Km × 2πRL + L Jm 2πrdr = −2πkR Lẑ + 6πkLẑ r2 dr = 0,
0 0

as expected.
Given the symmetry of the system, and using Ampère’s law, we obtain:
ˆ r
2πrB = µ0 ϕ̂ Jm 2πrdr =⇒ B = µ0 kr2 ϕ̂ = µ0 M for r < R,
0
and
2πrB = µ0 ϕ̂Itot =⇒ B = 0 for r > R.

To get H we use H = B/µ0 − M. Then H = 0 everywhere.

This is consistent with Ampère’s law, as ∇×H = Jf = 0 and the symmetry of the
problem leads to 2πrH = 0ϕ̂. Note however that, in general, there may be a non
zero H even when there is no free current (see below).

21
3.3 H and B of a cylinder with magnetization along the axis

A cylinder of finite size carries a “frozen–in” uniform magnetization M, parallel

to its axis. (Such a cylinder is know as a bar magnet). Find the magnetization
currents, sketch the magnetic field B and the auxiliary field H (use the boundary
conditions).

Magnetization currents: Since the magnetization is uniform, the volume current

density is Jm = ∇×M = 0. The surface current density is Km = M×n̂, that is
Km = M ϕ̂ on the lateral surface.

Magnetic field: The bar is like a

finite–size solenoid. (Figure from
Purcell.)
The perpendicular component of B
is continuous across the surfaces,
whereas:
k k
Bin − Bout = µ0 Km ẑ.

Auxiliary field: H = B/µ0 − M, there-

fore H = B/µ0 outside the cylinder.
Since there is no free current at the sur-
faces, the parallel component of H is con-
tinuous there, so that H inside the cylin-
der goes from right to left.

We see that even though there is no magnetization outside the cylinder, H is

non zero there. This is because the magnetization is discontinuous at the surface
of the cylinder:
B⊥ B⊥
H⊥ ⊥
out − Hin =
out
− in + M = M.
µ0 µ0

The discontinuity of M generates a non zero H outside.

22
3.4 H and B of a linear insulated straight wire
A current I flows along a straight wire or radius a. If the wire is made of linear
material with susceptibility χm , and the current is distributed uniformly, what is the
magnetic field a distance r from the axis? Find all the magnetization currents. What
is the net magnetization current flowing along the wire?
We define the volume density of free current: Jf = I/(πa2 ), and we assume that the
current I flows up along the z–axis. Given the symmetry of the system, and using
cylindrical coordinates, Ampère’s law gives:

Ir
H × 2πr = πr2 Jf θ̂ =⇒ H = θ̂ for r < a ,
2πa2

and:
I
H × 2πr = I θ̂ =⇒ H = θ̂ for r > a .
2πr

Therefore, B = µH, with µ = µ0 (1 + χm ) inside the insulated material and µ = µ0

outside, yields:

µ0 (1 + χm )Ir
B= θ̂ for r < a,
2πa2
µ0 I
B= θ̂ for r > a.
2πr

Volume density of magnetization current: Jm = ∇×M = ∇×(χm H) = χm ∇×H,

that is: Jm = χm Jf ẑ .

Surface density of magnetization current: Km = M×r̂ = χm H(a)×r̂, that is:

Km = −χm Iẑ/(2πa) .

Net magnetization current along the wire:

ˆ a
Jm × 2πrdr + Km × 2πa = 0,
0

as expected.

23