Math Problem Statement

for this question... A conical capacitor is formed by having electrodes on conical surfaces. The positive electrode is at θ=θ_+, r_a≤r≤r_b, and 0≤ϕ≤ϕ_0. The negative electrode is at θ=θ_-, r_a≤r≤r_b, and 0≤ϕ≤ϕ_0. I found the electric field Ε ⃗=(ρ_s ((r_b^2-r_a^2)/2) ϕ_0 sin⁡(θ_+ ))/(ϵ_0 r^2 ϕ_0 (cos⁡(r_a )-cos⁡(r_b ) ) ) a ̂_r a ̂_θ how can I find the voltage? I think im a bit confused because this equation I have found doesnt vary with theta, but its supposed to

Solution

To find the voltage (potential difference) between the electrodes of the conical capacitor, you can integrate the electric field along a path between the two electrodes. The voltage VV can be expressed as:

V=rarbEdlV = -\int_{\mathbf{r}_a}^{\mathbf{r}_b} \mathbf{E} \cdot d\mathbf{l}

Given that your electric field E\mathbf{E} is expressed in spherical coordinates, the voltage can be computed by considering a path in the rr direction between the two conical surfaces.

Steps to Calculate the Voltage:

  1. Choose a Path of Integration: For simplicity, integrate along a radial line at a fixed angle θ\theta (either θ+\theta_+ or θ\theta_-), since the electric field is uniform with respect to θ\theta.

  2. Set Up the Integral: The differential path element dld\mathbf{l} can be taken as drr^+rdϕϕ^+dzz^dr \hat{r} + r d\phi \hat{\phi} + dz \hat{z}. For your case, focus on drdr only, so dl=drr^d\mathbf{l} = dr \hat{r}.

  3. Dot Product: Compute the dot product Edl\mathbf{E} \cdot d\mathbf{l}: Edl=Erdr\mathbf{E} \cdot d\mathbf{l} = E_r dr

  4. Integrate: Set up the integration limits from rar_a to rbr_b and substitute your expression for ErE_r: V=rarbErdrV = -\int_{r_a}^{r_b} E_r \, dr

  5. Simplify and Solve: Substitute the expression for ErE_r you have and perform the integration.

Potential Considerations:

  • Variation with θ\theta: If the electric field appears not to vary with θ\theta, double-check the derivation of your electric field to ensure that any dependence on θ\theta has been appropriately accounted for, particularly in relation to the charge distributions or geometric factors.

  • Boundary Conditions: Ensure that the boundary conditions (potential at the electrodes) are set correctly when evaluating the integral.

If you provide the limits of integration or any specific aspects you want to address regarding θ\theta, I can offer a more tailored solution.

Questions for Further Exploration:

  1. What are the specific values of rar_a and rbr_b?
  2. Can you clarify the geometry of the conical capacitor further?
  3. Are there any assumptions about the uniformity of charge distribution on the electrodes?
  4. How do you interpret the variation with θ\theta in your context?
  5. Do you need help with the physical interpretation of the results?

Tip:

When dealing with integrals in cylindrical or spherical coordinates, always pay attention to how the coordinate transformations affect your limits and the forms of dld\mathbf{l} and E\mathbf{E}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electric Fields
Integration
Potential Difference

Formulas

V = -∫E·dl

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12