Multipole expansion for the case r'>>r and r>>r'

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of the potential, V(r), in two different cases: r >> r' and r' >> r. In the first case, the higher-order term (1/r^2 and above) is negligible, resulting in V(r) = cons. * 1/r * P0(cos a). In the second case, the potential becomes V(r) = cons. * 1/r' * [summation Pn(cos a')t'^n], where t' = r/r'. However, if the higher-order term of r/r' is neglected, then the potential becomes a constant, V(r) = cons. * 1/r' * P0(cos a'). This is important for
  • #1
pallab
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Homework Statement
what is the multipole expansion of a charge q for two extreme cases r>>r' and r'>> r?
Relevant Equations
1/R=(1/r)* [ summation (r'/r)^nPn(cos a)]
for the case, r>>r' the higher-order term like 1/r^2 and above that is negligible.
so V(r)=cons.*1/r*P0(cos a)
but for the case r'>>r will it be V(r)=cons.*1/r'[ summation Pn(cos a')t'^n] where t'=r/r'
now if we neglect higher-order term of r/r' then V(r)=cons.*1/r'*P0(cos a') which is constant not a function of r.
is it correct? what is the physics behind it?
 
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  • #2
You might want to keep the lowest order that does depend on r. That's what matters for the electric field.
 
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Related to Multipole expansion for the case r'>>r and r>>r'

1. What is the meaning of "r'>>r" in multipole expansion?

"r'>>r" refers to the distance between the observation point (r') and the source point (r). This notation indicates that the observation point is much farther away from the source point, meaning that the distance between them is significantly greater than the size of the source itself.

2. Why is the multipole expansion used in the case of "r'>>r"?

The multipole expansion is used in this case because it allows for a simpler and more accurate description of the field at the observation point. This is because the contribution of higher-order terms in the expansion becomes negligible as the distance between the points increases, making the calculation more manageable.

3. How is the multipole expansion derived for the case of "r'>>r"?

The multipole expansion is derived by first expressing the potential or field at the observation point as a series of monopole, dipole, quadrupole, and higher-order terms. These terms are then simplified using the assumption that r'>>r, which allows for higher-order terms to be neglected. The resulting expression is known as the multipole expansion.

4. What are the limitations of using the multipole expansion for the case of "r'>>r"?

One limitation is that the multipole expansion is only valid for systems that are spherically symmetric. Additionally, it is only accurate when the observation point is far enough from the source point, meaning that r'>>r must be satisfied. If this condition is not met, the higher-order terms that were neglected may become significant and the multipole expansion will not accurately describe the field at the observation point.

5. How is the multipole expansion for "r'>>r" different from "r>>r'"?

The main difference between these two cases is the location of the observation point. In the case of "r'>>r", the observation point is much farther away from the source point, while in "r>>r'", the source point is much farther away. This affects the accuracy of the multipole expansion, as it is only valid for the case of "r'>>r". In the case of "r>>r'", the multipole expansion would not accurately describe the field at the observation point.

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