Multipole structure and coordinate systems

Details Multipole structure and coordinate systems Multipole structure and coordinate systems

2007-01-02

arxiv.org/abs/physics/0701021v1

European Journal of Physics 28 (2007) 593-602

Physics

Classical Physics

2 figures

Scientific paper

10.1088/0143-0807/28/3/021

Multipole expansions depend on the coordinate system, so that coefficients of multipole moments can be set equal to zero by an appropriate choice of coordinates. Therefore, it is meaningless to say that a physical system has a nonvanishing quadrupole moment, say, without specifying which coordinate system is used. (Except if this moment is the lowest non-vanishing one.) This result is demonstrated for the case of two equal like electric charges. Specifically, an adapted coordinate system in which the potential is given by a monopole term only is explicitly found, the coefficients of all higher multipoles vanish identically. It is suggested that this result can be generalized to other potential problems, by making equal coordinate surfaces coincide with the potential problem's equipotential surfaces.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Multipole structure and coordinate systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Multipole structure and coordinate systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multipole structure and coordinate systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-189292