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Classical Electromagnetism
Homework Problems
Course Code: EM02/2016
Question Set: EM02HW001
Full Credits: 0.5
1. Two Electrostatic Theorems:
(a) Use Greens second identity,
3 (2 2 ) = ( )

to prove that the potential (0) at the center of a charge-free

spherical volume V is equal to the average of (r) over the
surface S of the sphere. We have proved this theorem in the
lecture using Greens reciprocity relation.
[0.05]
(b) Use the result of part (a) to provide an alternative to the
derivation of Earnshaws theorem given in the text.
[0.05]
2. A Non-Uniform Charge Distribution on a Surface: Let d and s
be two unequal lengths. Assume that charge is distributed on the
z =0 plane with a surface density

() =
2(2 + 2 )3/2

(a) Integrate to nd the total charge Q on the plane.

[0.05]

(b) Show that the potential (z) produced by () on the z-axis is

identical to the potential produced by a point with charge Q on
the axis at = .
[0.05]
3. Using Dirac delta functions in the appropriate coordinates, express
the following charge distributions as three-dimensional charge
densities (x)
(a) In spherical coordinates, a charge Q uniformly distributed over
a spherical shell of radius R.
[0.025]
(b) In cylindrical coordinates, a charge per unit length uniformly
distributed over a cylindrical surface of radius b.
[0.025]
(c) In cylindrical coordinates, a charge Q spread uniformly over a
flat circular disc of negligible thickness and radius R. [0.025]
(d) The same as part (c), but using spherical coordinates. [0.025]
4. Prove Greens reciprocation theorem: If is the potential due
to a volume-charge density within a volume V and a surfacecharge density on the surface S bounding the volume V, while '
is the potential due to another charge distribution ' and ', then
2 + = 3 +

[0.1]

5. Determine the net force on the northern hemisphere of a

uniformly charged solid sphere of radius R and charge Q using the
Electric stress tensor.
[0.1]