Math Problem Statement

can this expression E(r,θ)=(ρ_s ((r_b^2-r_a^2)/2) ϕ_0 sin⁡(θ_+ ))/(ϵ_0 r^2 sin⁡(θ)dθ dϕ) be simplified any more? (in relation to the below question stem)

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. find the electric field of the capacitor. if using gauss' law, use a conical surface please. show the derivation step by step. recall that there is azimuthal symmetry (ϕ), but not radial symmetry (r) nor angular symmetry (θ).

Solution

To simplify the expression E(r,θ)=ρs(rb2ra22)ϕ0sin(θ+)ϵ0r2sin(θ)dθdϕE(r,\theta) = \frac{\rho_s \left( \frac{r_b^2 - r_a^2}{2} \right) \phi_0 \sin(\theta_+)}{\epsilon_0 r^2 \sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi}, we can take several steps. First, let’s analyze the expression itself:

Steps to Simplify the Expression

  1. Factor Out Constants: Identify any constants that can be factored out. Here, ρs\rho_s, rb2ra22\frac{r_b^2 - r_a^2}{2}, and ϕ0\phi_0 are constants with respect to rr and θ\theta.

  2. Rewrite the Expression: E(r,θ)=ρsrb2ra22ϕ0sin(θ+)ϵ01r2sin(θ)dθdϕE(r,\theta) = \frac{\rho_s \cdot \frac{r_b^2 - r_a^2}{2} \cdot \phi_0 \sin(\theta_+)}{\epsilon_0} \cdot \frac{1}{r^2 \sin(\theta) d\theta d\phi}

  3. Substitute Variables: If you have specific values or relationships for rar_a, rbr_b, and ϕ0\phi_0, substitute those to see if further simplification is possible.

  4. Focus on Angular Terms: Note that dθdϕd\theta d\phi is a differential area element in spherical coordinates. If you need EE in terms of a surface area or related quantity, further context from the setup may allow additional simplifications.

Considering the Context of the Problem

In relation to the conical capacitor described:

  1. Gauss' Law: You need to apply Gauss' Law, which states: ΦE=EdA=Qencϵ0\Phi_E = \oint \vec{E} \cdot d\vec{A} = \frac{Q_{\text{enc}}}{\epsilon_0} where ΦE\Phi_E is the electric flux, and QencQ_{\text{enc}} is the charge enclosed.

  2. Choosing a Gaussian Surface: For a conical capacitor, a conical Gaussian surface is appropriate. The symmetry suggests that the electric field EE will have a constant magnitude at any radius rr, but will vary with θ\theta.

  3. Calculating Charge Enclosed: The charge QencQ_{\text{enc}} can be computed using the surface charge density ρs\rho_s over the surface area of the conical electrode.

Derivation of the Electric Field

  1. Surface Area of the Conical Electrode: A=2πr2(1cos(θ)) (for a conical section)A = 2\pi r^2 (1 - \cos(\theta)) \text{ (for a conical section)} This accounts for the azimuthal symmetry.

  2. Applying Gauss' Law: For the conical surface: ΦE=E(r,θ)A\Phi_E = E(r,\theta) \cdot A Thus: E(r,θ)A=Qencϵ0E(r,\theta) \cdot A = \frac{Q_{\text{enc}}}{\epsilon_0}

  3. Substituting QencQ_{\text{enc}}: Qenc=ρsAQ_{\text{enc}} = \rho_s \cdot A

  4. Final Expression for EE: Combining the above, you will derive E(r,θ)E(r,\theta) in terms of the parameters provided.

Conclusion

Thus, the expression can be simplified and restructured based on the physical context. The crucial step is to express it in relation to the charge enclosed and the area through which it acts.

Questions to Explore Further

  1. How does the electric field change as you move from rar_a to rbr_b?
  2. What are the boundary conditions at θ+\theta_+ and θ\theta_-?
  3. How can the angle θ\theta affect the field distribution?
  4. What assumptions are made about the symmetry of the electric field?
  5. How would the electric field behave if the conical surfaces were not uniform?

Tip

When simplifying expressions, always look for common factors and consider the physical significance of the variables involved to guide your simplification.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Electromagnetism
Electric Fields
Differential Calculus

Formulas

Gauss' Law: Φ_E = Q_enc/ε_0
Surface Area of Cone: A = 2πr^2(1 - cos(θ))

Theorems

Gauss' Law

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12