UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

LECTURE NOTES 8
POTENTIAL APPROXIMATION TECHNIQUES:
THE ELECTRIC MULTIPOLE EXPANSION
AND MOMENTS OF THE ELECTRIC CHARGE DISTRIBUTION
There are often situations that arise where an observer is far away from a localized charge
distribution ( r ) and wants to know what the potential V ( r ) and / or the electric field
intensity E ( r ) are far from the localized charge distribution.
If the localized charge distribution has a net electric charge Qnet, then far away from this
localized charge distribution, the potential V ( r ) to a good approximation will behave very much
like that of a point charge,

V far ( r )

1 Qnet
4 o r

and

E far ( r ) = V far ( r )

1 Qnet
4 o r 2

d , the characteristic size of the

when the field point source charge separation distance, r

charge distribution.

However, as the observer moves in closer and closer to the localized charge distribution
( r ) , he/she will discover that increasingly V ( r ) (and hence E ( r ) ) may deviate more and
more from pure point charge behavior, because ( r ) is an extended source charge distribution.
Furthermore, ( r ) may be such that Qnet 0 , but that does NOT necessarily imply that
V ( r ) = 0 (and E ( r ) =0)!

Example:

A pure, physical electric dipole is a spatially-extended, simple charge distribution where Qnet = 0
but V ( r ) 0 and E ( r ) = V ( r ) 0 , as shown in the figure below:
+q

A pure physical electric dipole is

composed of two opposite electric
charges separated by a distance d:

r+

P (field point)

r
r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The Potential V ( r ) and Electric Field E ( r ) of a Pure Physical Electric Dipole

Pure Qnet = 0 Physical Spatially extended electric eipole d 0 , d > 0

{n.b. point electric dipoles with d = 0, e.g. neutral atoms & molecules}
First, let us be very careful / wise as to our choice of coordinate system. A wrong choice of
coordinate system will unnecessarily complicate the mathematics and obscure the physics we are
attempting to learn about the nature / behavior of this system.

Examples of BAD choices of coordinate systems:

a.)

q+

b.)

q+

rdipole

y
q

'

Dipole lying in x y plane has

-dependence, but (at least it)
is centered at the origin.

Even more mathematically complicated!!

Origin is not conveniently chosen (arbitrary?)
Angle the dipole axis makes with respect to
z & x axes must be described by two
angles - and .

Smart / wise choice of coordinate system: Exploit intrinsic symmetry of problem.

Physical electric dipole has axial symmetry choose z axis to be along line separating q+ and q.
Choose x-y plane to lie mid-way between q+ and q:

P (field point)
r+

n.b. This problem

now has no
-dependence

+q

Mathematical expressions obtained for

V ( r ) , E ( r ) = V ( r ) for this choice
of coordinate system for the physical
electric dipole can be explicitly and
rigorously related to more complicated
/ tedious mathematical expressions for
a.) and b.) above via coordinate
translations & rotations!

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

Pure, Physical Electric Dipole:

P (field point)

+q

r+

r+
1
2

Source Charge Locations

r+ = + 12 dz, r+ = 12 d

r = 12 dz, r = 12 d

d
1
2

d
r

x
q

Law of Cosines:
+q

q+

c2 = a2 + b2 2ab cos
c

P
b

a
q

d
d
r = + r 2 2 r cos
2
2

d
d
r = + r 2 2 r cos ( )
2
2

2
+

d
= + r 2 dr cos
2

d
= + r 2 + dr cos
2

d
= r + rd cos
2

d
= r + + rd cos
2

Use Principle of Linear Superposition for Total Potential:

VTOT ( r ) = V+ q ( r ) + V q ( r ) Vdipole ( r )

V+ q ( r ) =

+q
1
=
4 o r+ 4 o

V q ( r ) =

1 q
1
=
4 o r 4 o

q
r 2 + ( d 2 ) rd cos
2

q
r 2 + ( d 2 ) + rd cos
2

+q
4 o

q
4 o

1
r 2 + ( d 2 ) rd cos
2

1
r 2 + ( d 2 ) + rd cos
2

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

4 o

r + ( d 2 ) rd cos
2

Prof. Steven Errede

1 +q
1 q

4 o r+
4 o r

Vdipole ( r ) = V+ q ( r ) + V q ( r ) =
=

Lecture Notes 8

q
1
=

4 o r 2 + ( d 2 )2 rd cos

4 o

r + ( d 2 ) + rd cos
2

2
2
r + ( d 2 ) + rd cos
1

This is an exact analytic mathematical expression for the potential associated with a pure
( Qnet = 0 ) physical electric dipole with charges +q and q separated from each other by a
distance d. Note further that, because of the judicious choice of coordinate system and the
intrinsic (azimuthal) symmetry, Vdipole ( r ) has no -dependence.
The exact analytic expression for potential associated with pure physical electric dipole:

q
1
1

Vdipole ( r ) =

2
2
4 o r 2 + ( d 2 )2 rd cos
+
+

r
d
2
rd
cos

( )

As mentioned earlier, often we are / will be interested only in knowing (approximately)

Vdipole ( r ) when r
d . For example, many kinds of neutral molecules have permanent electric
dipole moments p qd (Coulomb-meters) and (obviously) for such molecules, the dipoles
separation distance d is (typically) on the order of ~ few ngstroms, i.e. d ~ (5)
{1 1010 m = 10 nm (1 nm = 109 m)}. So even if the field point P is e.g. r = 1 m = 106 m
away from such a molecular dipole, r = 1 m
In such situations, when r

d ~ 5nm , since d r

0.005 !

d an approximate solution for Vdipole ( r ) which has the benefit

of reduced mathematical complexity, will suffice to give a good / reasonable physical

description of the intrinsic physics, accurate e.g. to 1% (or better) when compared directly to the
d that are of interest to us.
exact analytical expression over the range of distance scales r
Thus for r > d , the exact expressions for the r+ and r separation distances are:
r+ = r 2 + ( d 2 ) rd cos
2

d d
= r 1+
r cos
2 r
2

1d d
= r 1 + cos
4 r r

r = r 2 + ( d 2 ) + rd cos
2

d d
= r 1+
r + cos
2 r
2

1d d
= r 1 + + cos
4 r r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Now if ( d r )

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

1 , then let us define:

1d

+ cos
4 r r

and:

Then:

1
1
=
r+ r 1 + +

and:

with:

and:

1d

+ cos
4 r r
1
1
=
r r 1 +

Now if + 1 and 1 , we can use the Binomial Expansion (a specific version of the more
generalized Taylor Series Expansion) of the expression:
1
1
1
1i3 2 1i3i5 3
= (1 + ) 2 = 1 +

+ ... ... (Valid on the interval: 1 +1 )
2
2i4
2i4i6
1+

Since is already <<1, then the higher-order terms ( ) , ( ) , ( ) ,... etc. are incredibly
small (<<<<<1), so negligible error is incurred by neglecting these higher-order terms,
1
i.e. keeping only terms linear in in the binomial expansion of
, we have:
1+
2

1
1
=
r+ r 1 + +

1
(1 12 + )
r

and:

1
1
=
r r 1 +

1
(1 12 )
r

q 1 1
q 1
1

1
1

(1 2 + ) (1 2 )
4 o r+ r 4 o r
r

q 1 1
q 1
1
1
=
{( 2 ) ( + )}
1 2 + 1 + 2 =
4 o r
4 o x

V dipole ( r ) =

Then:

1d d
+ cos
4 r r

Now:

and:

1d d
+ cos
4 r r

1 d 2 d
q 1 1 1 d d

Vdipole ( r ) =
+ cos cos
4 o r 2 4 r r
4 r
r

Then:

Thus:

Vdipole ( r )

q 1 1 d
d
cos + cos
4 o r 2 r
r

q 1 d
q 1 1 d
2 cos =
cos
4 o r 2 r
4 o r r
q 1 d
q d
qd 1
cos =
2 cos =
cos
4 o r r
4 o r
4 o r 2

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

p qd = p

The Magnitude of the Electric Dipole Moment:

Thus, we may also express the potential of a pure physical dipole as:
qd 1
p 1
Vdipole ( r ) =
(valid for d << r)
2 cos =
cos
4 o r
4 o r 2
Note that: Vdipole ( r )

1
1
whereas Vmonopole ( r ) (valid for point charge q located at origin)
2
r
r

We define the vector electric dipole moment as: p qd where the charge-separation distance
vector d points (by convention) from q to +q:
+q
p qd

SI Units of p = Coulomb-meters
d d

q
In our current situation here we see that d = dz :

z
P (field point)
+q

d d
p qd
x

Thus here if: p = qd = qdz

Then: Vdipole ( r )

but: z = cos r then: p = qd = qdz = qd cos r = p cos r

qd 1
qd cos 1 p cos 1
2 cos =
=

4 o r
4 o r 2
4 o r 2

The potential Vdipole ( r ) associated with an electric dipole moment p p = qd = qdz from a pure,
physical electric dipole oriented with d = dz , for r
Vdipole ( r )

p cos 1 p ir 1
=
where:
4 o r 2 4 o r 2

d is thus given by:

p ir = p cos = qd cos

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The electric field Edipole ( r ) associated with a pure, physical electric dipole,
with electric dipole moment p = qd = qdz is:

Edipole ( r ) = Vdipole ( r ) = Erdipole ( r ) r + Edipole ( r ) + Edipole ( r ) in spherical-polar coordinates.

The components of Edipole ( r ) in spherical-polar coordinates are:

Erdipole ( r ) =
Edipole ( r ) =
Edipole ( r ) =

Vdipole ( r )
r

1 2p
cos
4 o r 3

1 Vdipole ( r )
1 p
=
sin

r
4 o r 3
1 Vdipole ( r )
=0
r sin

Explicitly, the electric field intensity of a pure, physical electric dipole with electric dipole
moment p = qd = qdz (in spherical-polar coordinates) is:

Edipole ( r ) =

1 2p
1 p
1 p
cos r +
sin =
2 cos r + sin
3
3
4 o r
4 o r
4 o r 3

1
1
(c.f. w/ Emonopole ( r ) 2 for single point charge q at r = 0 ).
3
r
r
Note also that Vdipole ( r ) and Edipole ( r ) have no explicit -dependence, since the charge

Note that: Edipole ( r )

configuration for an electric dipole is manifestly axially / azimuthally symmetric

(i.e. charge configuration for electric dipole is invariant under arbitrary -rotations).
Now: Vdipole ( r ) =

p ir 1
with electric dipole moment p = qdz, and pir = p cos = qd cos ,
4 o r 2

(since z ir = cos ), and r 2 = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 in Cartesian/rectangular coordinates.

In Cartesian/rectangular coordinates the electric field intensity of a pure, physical electric dipole
with electric dipole moment p = qd = qdz (in spherical-polar coordinates) is:

E dipole ( r ) = Vdipole ( r ) = x +
y +
y
z
x

z Vdipole ( r ) = Exdipole x + E ydipole y + Ezdipole z

Transformation from Spherical-Polar Cartesian Coordinates:

y = r sin sin

x = sin cos r + cos cos sin

y = sin sin r + cos sin + sin

z = r cos

z = cos r sin

x = r sin cos

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

It is a straight-forward exercise to show that the electric field components associated with a pure
physical electric dipole with electric dipole moment p = qd = qdz (in Cartesian coordinates) are:
p 3xz
p 3sin cos
5 =

4 o r 4 o
r3

p 3 yz
p 3sin cos
dipole
=

5 =

= Ex
3
4 o r 4 o
r

Exdipole =
E ydipole

Ezdipole =

(since charge configuration

of electric dipole is axially /
azimuthally symmetric)

p 3z 2 r 2
p 3cos 2 1
=

4 o r 5 4 o
r3

In coordinate-free form, it is also a straight-forward exercise (try it!!!) to show that the electric
field intensity of a pure physical electric dipole with electric dipole moment p = qd = qdz is of
the form:
1 1
physical
Edipole
(r ) =
3 ( p ir ) r p
4 o r 3
whereas the coordinate-free form of a point electric dipole is of the form:
point
Edipole
(r ) =

1 1
1
p 3 (r )
3 3 ( p ir ) r p
4 o r
3 o

E Field Lines & Equipotentials Associated with a Pure, Physical Electric Dipole:
n.b. Equipotentials
are to lines of
E ( r ) everywhere!

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

We explicitly show here that the electric field associated with a pure physical electric dipole
with electric dipole moment p = pz = qdz can be written in coordinate-free form as:
1 1
physical
Edipole
(r ) =
3 ( p ir ) r p
4 o r 3
We have already shown (above) that:
1 p
physical

Edipole
(r ) =
3 2 cos r + sin
4 o r
Now: p = pz and z = cos r sin (in spherical-polar coordinates)
Thus: pir = pp ir = pz ir

But: z ir = cos r sin ir = cos

And: rir = 1 , ir = 0
Thus: p ir = p cos

( )

= ( p i r ) r

And: p = ( pir ) r + pi = p cos r p sin

So therefore:
3 ( p ir ) r p = 3 p cos r p cos r + p sin
= 2 p cos r + p sin

= p 2 cos r + sin
1 1
physical
Thus: Edipole
(r ) =
3 ( p ir ) r p Q.E.D.
4 o r 3

The Potential Vquad ( r ) and Electric Field Equad ( r ) Associated with a

Pure, Linear Physical Electric Quadrupole
We have seen that a pure, physical electric dipole was constructed by:
1. Starting with a monopole electric moment (i.e. charge +Q)
2. Copying it
3. Charge-conjugating (+Q Q) the copied charge
4. Displacing the conjugated charge Q from the original charge +Q by a separation distance d
Likewise, we can construct a pure, physical, linear electric quadrupole by:
1. Starting with a pure, physical, linear electric dipole
2. Copying it
3. Charge-conjugating the charges associated with the copied electric dipole
4. Translating the charge conjugated electric dipole along the symmetry axis of the original
electric dipole by amount d, as shown in the figures below:

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

1.

2.

3.
copy
+Q

+Q

+Q

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

+Q

Original

Original

Prof. Steven Errede

Q
d

Q
Copy

+Q

Original

Charge-Conjugated Copy

4.

+Q
d

+Q

= 2Q Q
Q

Translation of charge-conjugated
copy along axis of original dipole
by amount d.

+Q

Pure, Physical, Linear Electric Quadrupole:

z

P (Field Point)

Note that this linear electric quadrupole has

axial / aximuthal symmetry i.e. because
all charges (+Q, 2Q, +Q) are co-linear
(all on z axis), problem is invariant under
(arbitrary) -rotations.

ra

+Q
r
d

2Q

Vquad ( r ) and Equad ( r ) will have no

explicit -dependence for the linear
electric quadrupole.

rb

n.b. QTOT = 0 for pure electric quadrupole.

+Q

Again, we use the principle of (linear) superposition to obtain Vquad ( r ) :

Vquad ( r ) = VTOT ( r ) = V+ Q ( @ z = + d ) + V2Q ( @ z = 0 ) + V+ Q ( @ z = d )

10

r
1 Q 2Q Q
1 Q r
+ =

2 +
4 o ra
r
rb 4 o r ra
rb

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

ra2 = r 2 + d 2 2rd cos

Again, using the Law of Cosines:

Lecture Notes 8

and

Prof. Steven Errede

rb2 = r 2 + d 2 + rd cos

We obtain:
Vquad ( r ) =

1 Q
r
r
2+

2
4 o r r + d 2 2rd cos
r 2 + d 2 + 2rd cos

Exact analytic
expression

Again, for regime where the observation point P is far away from pure, physical, linear electric
r
r
quadrupole, i.e. r >> d, we expand and in a binomial (i.e. Taylor) series
ra
rb
(as was done previously for the case of a pure, physical electric dipole).
Neglecting terms in these expansions that are higher order than linear (i.e. > ( d r ) ) we obtain:
2

2
2
r
d
d ( 3cos 1)

1
cos

+



2
r
r
ra
2
2
r
d
d ( 3cos 1)
1
cos

+
+



2
r
r
rb

x = cos

Recall that the Ordinary Legendr Polynomials P

P0 ( x ) = 1

P0 ( cos ) = 1

P1 ( x ) = x

P1 ( cos ) = cos

P2 ( x ) =

( 3x

1)

P2 ( cos ) =

( x)

are:
Shorthand notation:
P ( cos ) = P ( )

( 3cos 1)
2

2
2

r

ra

r
d
d
d
d
P0 ( ) P1 ( ) + P2 ( ) and P0 ( ) + P1 ( ) + P2 ( )
r
r
r
r
rb
2
2
r
1 Q r
1 Q d ( 3cos 1)

Vquad ( r ) =

+
=
2
2



4 o r ra
4

2
r
r
r

o
b

2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1
=

4 o r 3
2

Then for r >> d:

P2 ( )

Vquad ( r )

Note that:

2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1 2Qd 2 1

=

3 P2 ( )
4 o r 3
2
4 o r

Vquad ( r )

1
r3

(c.f. with Vmonopole ( r ) 1 r and Vdipole ( r ) 1 2 )

r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

11

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Note also that:

Vquad ( r ) P2 ( )
1
2

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

(c.f. with Vmonopole ( r ) P0 ( ) , Vdipole ( r ) P1 ( ) )

(3cos 1)

= cos

=1

Note further that: Vquad ( r ) must be proportional to an even power of l, i.e. Pl =even ( ) because a
pure, physical, linear electric quadrupole has reflection symmetry about the z -axis (i.e. about
= / 2 ) (i.e. a rotation from / by a vector lying in x y plane e.g. x or y axis).

( )

+Qa

2Q

( 3cos 1)

+Qb

P2 ( ) =

2Q

is an even function under

( ) reflection:

1
2

P2 ( ) = + P2 ( )

+Qb

+Qa

We can also see that Vdipole ( r ) must be proportional to an odd power of l, i.e. Pl =odd ( ) because a
pure, physical, linear electric dipole has a sign change under reflection symmetry about = / 2
z

( )

+Q
p = Qdz

P1 ( ) = cos

is an odd function under

( ) reflection:

p = Qdz

P1 ( ) = P1 ( )
=0

cos ( ) = cos cos + sin sin

Q

= cos

+Q

Likewise, Vmonopole ( r ) must be proportional to an even power of l:

z
P0 ( ) = P0 ( ) = 1

12

+Q

( )

+Q

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

As we have seen for the two previous cases, that of:

1. The electric monopole, with its accompanying electric monopole moment, the electric charge
Q (n.b. Q is a scalar quantity)
(SI units of Q: Coulombs)
2. The electric dipole with its accompanying electric dipole moment p Qd , p = p = Qd
(n.b. p is a vector quantity)

(SI units of p : Coulomb-meters)

3. The electric quadrupole also has an accompanying electric quadrupole moment Q 2Qdd
(SI units of Q : Coulomb-meters2)

(n.b. Q is a tensor quantity)

Tensor Q 2Qdd = double vector

Q 2Qdd = 2Qd 2

2-dimensional matrix
Formally speaking, Q is a rank-2 tensor (i.e. a 2-dimensional matrix) - the 9 elements of the
Q tensor (in general) are:
Qxx

Qyz

Qzx

Q = Qxy
Qxz

Qyy
Qyz

Qzy
Qzz

n.b. Q has only six independent components, because Qij = Qji

i.e.

Qxy = Qyx
Qxz = Qzx
Qyz = Qzy

Also, note that: Qxx + Qyy + Qzz = 0 or: Qzz = (Qxx+Qyy) {i.e. Q is traceless}
The quadrupole moment tensor can also be written in coordinate-free form, e.g. in Cartesian
coordinates as:
n = # discrete charges qi
Q

( 3r r 1r ) q
n

1
2

i =1

i i

with ri 2 = ri iri

xx
Unit Dyadic: 1 0
0

yy
0

0
0

zz

For the case of a pure, linear (i.e. axially/azimuthally symmetric) electric quadrupole with
quadrupole moment Q (e.g. oriented along the z -axis):
z

Here, Qxx = Qyy, and since: Qxx + Qyy + Qzz = 0

+Q
d

2Q
d

+Q

Then: Qzz = 2Qxx = 2Qyy 2Qd 2 All other Qij vanish (= 0) for i j
1 0 0
n.b. conventions / definitions of
linear
2
i.e. Qquad = Qd 0 1 0
linear
Qquad
differ in different textbooks!!!
0 0 +2

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

13

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

For the case of a pure, linear (i.e. axially/azimuthally symmetric) electric quadrupole with
quadrupole moment Q (oriented along the z -axis), expressed in Cartesian coordinates:

P (Field Point)
Q

ra

+Q

# discrete charges

( 3r r 1r ) q
n

1
2

i =1

i i

with ri 2 = ri iri

Unit Dyadic:
0 0
xx

rb

1 0 yy
0 0

2Q
d
+Q
x

i = 1: r1 = + dz

q1 = + Q ri = ri

i = 2 : r2 = 0 z
i = 3 : r3 = dz

q2 = 2Q
q3 = + Q

zz

=0
1
1
2 =0
d 2 1 Q 3i 0 zz
0i1 + Q 3d 2 zz
d 2 1 = Qd 2 3zz
1
Thus: Q = Q 3d 2 zz

2
2
2

for charge 1:
+ Q @ r1 =+ dz

for charge 2:
2Q @ r2 = 0 z

for charge 3:
+ Q @ r3 = dz

3 zz
1
1 = 2Qd 2
Q = Qd 2 3 zz

2
2
2Qd 2 1 ( 3cos 1) 2Qd 2 1
=
Then: Vquad ( r )

P2 ( cos )
4 o r 3
2
4 o r 3

P2 ( cos ) =

1
( 3cos2 1)
2

We can express Vquad ( r ) in a different (but totally equivalent manner), using the fact(s) that:

14

r = sin cos x + sin sin y + cos z

z ir = ri z = cos
3 ( ri z )( z ir ) = 3cos 2

x i x = 1, x i y = 0, x i z = 0
y i x = 0, y i y = 1, y i z = 0

ri1ir = 1

z i x = 0, z i y = 0, z i z = 1

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

Then for observation/field point P far from quadrupole, i.e. r >> d:

coordinate-free form

1 ir
1 1
2Qd 2 1 ri 3zz

Vquad ( r )
r iQir =

4 o r 3
4 o r 3
2

2Qd 2 1 3 ( ri z )( z ir ) ri1ir 2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1

=

3

4 o r 3
2
2

4 o r
P2 ( cos )

2Qd 2 1
P2 ( cos )
4 o r 3

axially-symmetric
Vquad ( r ) as given above is valid for a pure, linear, physical electric quadrupole oriented along
the z -axis, for r (observation / field point) >> d.
The potential Vquad ( r ) and electric field intensity Equad ( r ) associated with a pure, physical,
linear electric quadrupole with quadrupole moment Q (oriented along the z -axis) are:
Vquad ( r ) =

2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1

4 o r 3
2

Equad ( r ) = Er r + E + E = Vquad ( r ) , in spherical-polar coordinates:

Er ( r ) =

E ( r ) =
E ( r ) =

V ( r )
r

3i2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1 3i2Qd 2 1

P2 ( cos )
=
4 o r 4
2
4 o r 4

1 V ( r ) 3i2Qd 2 1
=
sin cos
4 o r 4
r

1 V ( r )
= 0 No -dependence because charge configuration is manifestly
r sin
axially / azimuthally symmetric (invariant under arbitrary -rotations)

Explicitly writing out the form of the electric field intensity Equad ( r ) for a pure, linear, physical
electric quadrupole oriented along the z -axis, for r (observation / field point) >> d:
Equad ( r ) =

3i2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1
3i2Qd 2 1

+
r

4 sin cos

4 o r 4
2
4

3i2Qd 2 1 3cos 2 1

=
r + sin cos
4
4 o r
2

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

15

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

E -field lines & equipotentials associated with a pure, physical, linear electric quadrupole:
n.b. E -field lines to equipotentials everywhere in space

Higher-Order Pure, Linear Physical Electric Multipoles

The next higher order pure, linear physical multipole is known as the pure, linear physical
electric octupole. We can construct / create it (as before) by:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Starting with a pure, linear, physical electric quadrupole

Copying it
Charge-conjugating (Q Q) the charges associated with the copied electric quadrupole
Translating the charge-conjugated electric quadrupole along the symmetry axis of the original
electric quadrupole, this time by an amount 2d:

1.

2.

+Q

+Q
d

2Q

2Q

+Q

+Q

Original

+Q

Q
d

2Q

2Q

d
+Q

Original

3.

16

z
copy

+2Q

+Q
Copy

+Q
Original

Q
Charge-Conjugated Copy

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

4.

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

+Q
Original
2Q

Q
Charge-Conjugated Copy
+2Q

= 0Q +Q
Q

+2Q
Q

Pure, Linear (Axially/Azimuthally-Symmetric) Physical Electric Octupole:

P (Observation / Field point)

+Q

ra

d
2d

Following the methodology as used in previous cases:

rb
2Q

4
1
1
Voctupole ( r ) = Vi ( r ) 4 P3 ( cos )

4 o
r 1 3
i =1

= 2 5cos 3cos

4d

+2Q
x

rc

rd

1
Eoctupole ( r ) = Voctupole ( r ) 5
r 4 o
= Octupole Moment Qddd (Rank-3 tensor)

~ Qd 3 (SI units: coulomb-meter3)

d
Q

In general, for lth-order electric multipole,

Note: QTOT = 0
= 0, 1, 2, 3, . . . defining M

th

-order multipole

moment (SI units: coulomb-(meters)b) then the potential associated with a pure, physical, linear
multipole moment is of the form:
M 1
V (r )

P ( cos )
4 o r +1
The electric field intensity associated with a pure, physical, linear multipole moment is of the
1 M
E ( r ) = V ( r )
form:
4 o r + 2
Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

17

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

Multipole Moments, Potential and Electric Field Associated with an

Arbitrary Localized Electric Charge Distribution ( r ) - Outside of ( r )

Suppose we have an arbitrary, but localized electric charge distribution ( r ) somewhere in

space, contained within the volume v and bounded by the surface S :

r = r r

r = r = r r

cos = rir = cosine of opening angle between vectors r and r .

= opening angle between vectors r and r - very important!

r 2 = r 2 + r 2 2rr cos = r 2 + r 2 2r ir

Law of Cosines:

If the observation / field point P is far away from electric charge distribution ( r ) such that:
r= r

a = a = maximum distance of ( r ) to origin then for r >> a (a = max value of r ):

r 2

r
r 2 = r 2 1 + 2 cos
r
r

or:

r
r
r = r 1 + 2 cos
r
r
1 for r

r
r
Define: 2 cos for r >> a (a = max value of r )
r
r
Now: V ( r ) =

18

1
4 o

( r)
r

d with:

1 1
1 2
= (1 + )
r r

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

Carry out a (full) binomial expansion of 1/r (for r >> a):

1 1
1 1 2 n 1 1
3 2 5 3
1/ 2

= (1 + )
=
= 1 + + ...
n
r r
8
16
r n=0
r 2

1 2 ( 1) ( n 12 )
is the binomial coefficient and ( x ) is the gamma function.
where:
=
n!
( n)
n
( n 12 )
and:
= ( 12 )( 12 + 1) .... ( 12 + n 1) = ( 12 )( 12 ) .... ( n 23 )
(n)
n

Then:

2
2
3
3

1 1 1 r r
5 r r
3 r r

= 1 2 cos + 2 cos 2 cos + ...

r r 2 r r
8 r r
16 r r

Collecting together like powers of r r :

3
2
3
2
3

1 1 r
r 3cos 1 r 5cos 3cos

= 1 + cos +
+
+ ...
r r r
2
2
r

Thus we see that:

2
3

1 1
r
r
r

= P0 ( cos ) + P1 ( cos ) + P2 ( cos ) + P3 ( cos ) + ... !!!!

r r
r
r
r

Hence:

1 1 r
= P ( cos ) where = opening angle between r and r .
r r =0 r
2

1
r
r
(where 2 cos ) is known as the
1+
r
r
Generating Function for the Legendr Polynomials!!!

This remarkable result occurs because

Then, since V ( r ) =

1
4 o

( r ) r d for r >> a

(a = max value of r ), the potential outside

the volume v containing the charge distribution ( r ) is given by:

1 r
( r )P ( cos ) d
4 o v r =0 r
1

Voutside ( r ) =
=

1
4 o

Then defining: V outside ( r ) =

1
r ( r ) P ( cos ) d
+1 ( )
v
=0

1 1

( r ) ( r ) P ( cos ) d
4 o r +1 v

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

19

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Prof. Steven Errede

1
r ( r ) P ( cos ) d
+1 ( )
4 o =0
v
= opening angle
Linear superposition of
multipole potentials!!!
between r and r .

We obtain (for r >> a): Voutside ( r ) = V outside ( r ) =

=0

Lecture Notes 8

This expression is known as the Multipole Expansion of Voutside ( r ) in powers of 1/r.

It is valid / useful when r >> a (a = max value of r ). Note that this is an exact expression.
Having obtained Voutside ( r ) , we can then obtain Eoutside ( r ) = Voutside ( r ) , and thus we see that:

Eoutside ( r ) = E outside ( r ) = V outside ( r )

=0

i.e.

E outside ( r ) = V outside ( r )

=0

Linear superposition of multipole electric fields!!!

Thus, we see that, for observation / field point distances far away from the (arbitrary) localized
electric charge distribution ( r ) (i.e. r >> a (a = max value of r )) the electrostatic potential
Voutside ( r ) and associated electric field Eoutside ( r ) = Voutside ( r ) are linear superpositions of

multipole electrostatic potentials V outside ( r ) and multipole electric fields E outside ( r ) respectively,
each arising from the

th

electric multipole moment M associated with the localized electric

charge distribution ( r ) !!!

Order of
Electrostatic Potential
Electric Multipole
V outside ( r )

=0
Monopole

1 Q

4 o r 2

M0 = Q (total/net
charge, coulombs)
(scalar)
M 1 = Qd = p
(coulomb-meters)
(vector)
M 2 = 2Qdd = Q
(coulomb-meters2)
(rank-2 tensor)
M 3 Qddd =
(coulomb-meters3)
(rank-3 tensor)
M 4 Qdddd = S
(coulomb-meters4)
(rank-4 tensor)

P0 = 1
1 Q
=

4 o r

Electric Field
( r ) = V outside ( r )

outside

=1
Dipole

1 Qd

4 o r 2

1 Qd

4 o r 3

=2
Quadrupole

1 Qd 2

4 o r 3

1 Qd 2

4 o r 4

=3
Octupole

1 Qd 3

4 o r 4

1 Qd 3

4 o r 5

=4
Sextupole

1 Qd 4

4 o r 5

1 Qd 4

4 o r 6

..........

..........

............

Order
Multipole

th

20

1 Qd

4 o r +1

1 Qd

4 o r + 2

Electric Multipole
Moment M

............

M Q (r ) = M
(coulomb-metersb)
(rank- tensor)

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

Thus we see that:

The higher-order multipole fields fall off 1/r faster than those associated with next lower
order multipole.
Must get in closer and closer to charge distribution ( r ) in order to sense / observe / detect
the higher-order moments!
We can write the electrostatic potential yet another way:
For r >> a (a = max value of r )

Voutside ( r ) = Vl
l =0

outside

1 1
1
1
( r )d + 2 r i r ( r ) d + 3
(r ) =

r v
r
4 o r v

(3 ( rir)

pir riQir
1 Net

=
+
+
+
V
r
.....
Thus, we see that: outside ( )
r2
r3
4 o r

monopole dipole quadrupole

term
term
term

with: QNet ( r ) d ,
v

p r ( r ) d and

(3 ( rir)

r 2

r 2

) ( r) d

) ( r) d + ....

..

Recall / note: rir = r ir = r cos where = opening angle between r and r .

The multipole expansion of Voutside ( r ) which contains the opening angle between r (field
point) and r (source point) can be rewritten in terms of ( and ) for r and ( and ) for r
using the so-called Addition Theorem for Spherical Harmonics:
= opening angle between r and r

z
S (source
point)

r
2

P (field point)

r
Spherical Harmonics Addition Theorem:

4 + *
P ( cos ) =
Y m ( , ) Y m ( , )
2 + 1 m =
n.b. complex conjugate

Then:

( r )
1
1
=
= +1 P ( cos ) =
r r r l =0 r
=0

4 ( r ) *
Y m ( , ) Y m ( , )

+ 1 r +1

m =

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

21

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Thus:

1
r ( r ) P ( cos ) d
+1 ( )
v
=0

1 + 4
*

( r ) ( r ) Y ,m ( , ) Y , m ( , ) d
4 o =0 r +1 v m = 2l + 1

= 0 m =

where: V outside
(r ) =
m

Thus:
=

Prof. Steven Errede

4 o

Voutside ( r ) =

Lecture Notes 8

Voutside ( r ) =

Fall Semester, 2007

outside
m

(r )

1 4 ( r )
*

+1 ( r ) Y , m ( , ) Y ,m ( , ) d
4 o 2 + 1 v r
+
4 1

r
Y *,m ( , ) Y ,m ( , ) d
(
)
(
)

4 o =0 2l + 1 r +1 v
m =

4 1 + *
Y ,m ( , ) ( r ) ( r )Y , m ( , ) d
+1
m =
=0
v

1
4 o

2l + 1 r

The Yl ,m ( , ) are the Spherical Harmonics; and are the polar & azimuthal angles for r ,
the vector from the origin to the field point, P and and are the polar & azimuthal angles
for r , the vector from the origin to the source point, S .
We can then define q m - the Electric Multipole Moment of order

& m:

q m ( r ) ( r ) Y m ( , ) d
v

Because of the properties of the Y , m ( , ) , namely that:

Y m ( , ) = ( 1) Y *,m ( , )

We see that:

Y m ( , ) =

2 ( + 1)( m ) !
P ( cos ) eim
4 ( + m ) !

q m = ( 1) q*,m

1 4 1 *
Y , m ( , ) q m

4 o 2 + 1 r +1

+
1 + 4 1 *
r
Y ,m ( , ) q , m
=
Then: Voutside ( r ) = V outside
(
)

,m

4 o =0 m = 2 + 1 r +1
= 0 m =

=
Thus: V outside
,m

Again, Eoutside ( r ) = Voutside ( r ) which by the principle of linear superposition becomes:

= 0 m =

i.e.

22

E outside
( r ) =
,m

= 0 m =

outside
,m

(r )

E outside
( r ) = V outside
(r )
,m
,m

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The main advantage of using these seemingly more complex expressions for V outside
(r )
,m
involving the Y *m ( , ) and Y m ( , ) spherical harmonics is that they are directly connected to
a right-handed x y z coordinate system. The earlier expression for Voutside ( r ) involving the
P ( cos ) Legendr Polynomials, it must be kept in mind at all times that = opening angle
between field point r and source point r .

The explicit derivation of Voutside ( r ) using the Addition Theorem for Spherical Harmonics:
Voutside ( r ) =

4 1 + *

Y m ( , ) ( r ) ( r ) Y m ( , ) d
4 o =0 2 + 1 r +1 m =
v

q m
(electric multipole moment of order & m )

thus makes it explicitly clear that Voutside ( r ) = fcn ( r , , ) only all source variable

( r , , ) dependence has been integrated out, in carrying out the integral over the volume v !!!
Thus Voutside ( r ) is fully capable of correctly/exactly describing many other kinds of multipole
moments we have not yet discussed, e.g.:
A. Pure Physical Electric Dipole(s) Lying in the x-y Plane:

a.

d/2

b.

d/2

Q d/2

d/2 +Q

c.

d/2

d/2

+Q
x

(x-axis)

(y-axis)

(x-y plane)

B. Pure, Physical Electric Dipole Randomly Oriented in Space:

z
Q
d/2

(3-D dipole)

d/2

+Q

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

23

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

C. Pure Physical, but Non-Colinear Electric Quadrupoles:

z

a.

b.

z
+Q
d/2

d/2

+Q

Q d/2
d/2
d/2 Q
+Q
x

Q d/2
y
x

(x-y plane)

c.

Q
d/2
d/2
+Q

+Q
d/2 d/2

y
+Q d/2 d/2

(y-z plane)

(x-z plane)

D. Pure Physical, but Non-Colinear Electric Octupoles:

Cube Centered on (x,y,z) = (0,0,0)

The Choice of Origin of Coordinates Does Matter!!!
Note that the choice of origin of coordinates in the electric multipole expansion of Voutside ( r )
does matter can affect e.g. determination of electric dipole moment, p if QNET 0 !!
A point charge Q located at the origin of coordinates (x,y,z) = (0,0,0) is a pure electric
monopole. However, a point charge Q located some distance d along d from the origin is no
longer a pure electric monopole! The monopole moment Q = QTOT does not change, but V0 ( r )
(where

= 0) does change, because V ( r ) =

1 Q
is not quite correct the exact potential
4 o r

is V ( r ) =

1 Q
and r r; however r
4 o r

r when r >> r .

24

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

For higher electric moments, if (and only if) QTOT = QNET = 0, then (pure) electric
moment M (where > 0) is independent of choice of origin of coordinate system.
If net / total charge QNET = QTOT 0, then the higher-order electric moment(s)
M (where > 0) can be made to vanish if one chooses the origin or coordinates to be
located at the charge-weighted center of charge, then r = 0 .

q m = ( r ) ( r ) Y m ( , ) d = 0 if r = 0
v

2Q

+Q
d

+Q

Q
z +

p1 = Qdz

(origin)
z

p2 = Qdz

Note here that: p = p1 + p2 = 0!!!

If the origin is displaced from the center of charge for electric dipole by an amount a :
e.g.

r * = r + a where a = vector displacement of origin of coordinate system,

p* = r * ( r )d p* = ( r + a ) ( r ) d
v

= r ( r ) d + a ( r ) d

then:

= p + a ( r ) d = p + QNet a = p + porigin
v

= QNet ( = QTot )

- If QNET 0, then p* = p + porigin p because the origin-dependent electric dipole moment,

porigin QNet a 0 !!!

If QNET 0, then the choice of origin does matter; because the electric dipole moment p
depends on the choice of origin !!!
If QNET 0, then higher-order electric multipole moments must be accompanied by explicitly
specifying the choice of origin of coordinates!!!
- Iff QNET = 0, then p* = p , i.e. p is independent of choice or origin of coordinate system.
+Q
d
5Q
Origin,
Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

25

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The Potential for a Pure Physical Electric Quadrupole (in Cartesian Coordinates)
Not Necessarily With Colinear Charges
The potential for a pure, physical electric quadrupole (not necessarily with collinear charges) can
be written in Cartesian coordinates as:
1 3 3 1 xi x j
2
Vquad ( r ) =

5 ( 3 xi x j r ij ) ( r ) d
4 o i =1 j =1 2 r v
or as: Vquad ( r ) =

1
4 o

1 xi x j
5
j =1
r
3

2
i =1

Qij

with elements of the quadrupole moment tensor Qij 3xi xj r 2 ij ( r ) d

v

with r 2 = x2 + y2 + z 2 = x12 + x2 2 + x3 2

and where the summations i = 1, 2, 3 and j = 1, 2, 3 represent sums over the {1,x ,2,3
y , z } components
i, j = 2: x2 y and
respectively; i.e. i, j = 1: x1 x
and where ij = Kroenecker function { == 10 ifif ii= jj }

i, j = 3: x3 z

Q11 Q12

The 9 elements of the quadrupole moment tensor Q are the Qijs: Q = Q21 Q22
Q
31 Q32

Where:

Q13

Q23
Q33

sum of diagonal
elements =0

ii

= 0 i.e. Q11 + Q22 + Q33 = 0 (i.e. Q is a traceless rank-2 tensor / 3 3 matrix)

i=1

and also: Qij = Q ji for i j , i.e. Q12 = Q21 , Q13 = Q31 and Q23 = Q32 .
In general, if r = xi + yj + zk and r = xi + yj + z k then:
Vquad ( r ) =
+

26

1 1
3xy xy ( r ) d + 3 zx xz ( r ) d + 3 yz yz ( r ) d
4 o r 5 v
v
v

1
1
1
3x 2 1) x2 ( r ) d + ( 3 y 2 1) y2 ( r ) d + ( 3z 2 1) z 2 ( r ) d
(
2
2
2
v
v
v

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The 9 elements of the quadrupole moment tensor Q (in Cartesian coordinates) are thus:
Mean square of xixj (multiplied by q).
Qxx = x2 ( r ) d = qx

= q x

Qyy = y2 ( r ) d = q y

= q y

Qzz = z 2 ( r ) d = qz

= q z

Qxy = xy ( r ) d = qxy = q xy = Qyx

n.b. The Quadrupole Moment Tensor

Q has only 6 independent components

Qyz = yz ( r ) d = q yz = q yz = Qzy
v

Qzx = z x ( r ) d = qz x = q z x = Qxz
v

Then:
Vquad ( r ) =

1 1
1
1
1
2
2
2
5 3 xyQxy + 3 yzQyz + 3 xzQxz + ( 3 x 1) Qxx + ( 3 y 1) Qyy + ( 3 z 1) Qzz
4 o r
2
2
2

A relationship exists between multipole moments expressed using spherical-polar coordinates

q m and those expressed using Cartesian coordinates Qij . The first few of these are given below:
q00 =

1
q
4

q20 =

1 5
Q33
2 4

q10 =

3
pz
4

q21 =

1 15
m
( Q13 iQ23 ) with q m = ( 1) q*m
3 8

q11 =

3
( px ip y )
8

q22 =

1 15
( Q11 2iQ12 Q22 )
12 2

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.

27

UIUC Physics 435 EM Fields & Sources I

Fall Semester, 2007

Lecture Notes 8

Prof. Steven Errede

The Energy / Work Associated With a Charge Distribution ( r ) Located at (or Near) the
Origin of the Coordinate System in an External Electric Field Eext ( r )

For r >> a (a = max value of r ), the energy / work associated with a charge distribution in an
external field Eext ( r ) is given by:
W = QVext ( r = 0 ) p i Eext ( r = 0 )
=

r =0

refpt. . Eext i dl

E ext
1 3 3
j
Q

ij
6 i =1 j =1
xi

....
xi = 0

Eext ( r = 0 ) = Vext ( r = 0 )
Where the summations i = 1, 2, 3 and j = 1, 2, 3 represent sums over the
respectively; i.e. i, j = 1: x1 x

i, j = 2: x2 y

And: Qij ( 3 xixj r 2 ij ) ( r ) d with

{ } components
1, 2,3
x, y, z

i, j = 3: x3 z

r 2 = x2 + y2 + z 2 = x12 + x2 2 + x3 2

And with: Qij = Q ji , and

i =1

ii

= Q11 + Q22 + Q33 = Qxx + Qyy + Qzz = 0

Note: The multipole expansion method for Voutside ( r ) =

1
4 o

1 *
Y , ) q m
+1 m (

2l + 1 r
=0

m =

with q m = ( r ) Ylm ( , ) ( r ) d is analogous to the taking of an inner product!!!

v

It can then be seen that the electric multipole moments q m are the strengths (i.e. coefficients)
associated with the

, m ) -order multipoles of the electric charge distribution ( r ) !!!

th

Electrostatic Forces and Torques Acting on Multipole Moments of the Charge Distribution
The net force and torque acting on the charge distribution as an expansion in multipole moments
are given below:
1 3 3

E ext
j ( r = 0)
F ( r ) = qE ( r = 0 ) + p i E ( r )
+ Qij
+ ....

r =0
xi
6 i =1 j =1
x =0
i

( r ) = ( p E ( r ))

1 3
ext
0
+
=

Q
E
r
Q3 j E ext
(
)

2j j
j ( r = 0)
r =0
3 x3 j =1
x2 j =1
r =0

3
3

0
+ Q3 j E ext
=
r
) Q1 j E extj ( r = 0 )
j (
x1 j =1
x3 j =1
r =0
3
3

ext
ext
+
Q1 j E j ( r = 0 )
Q2 j E j ( r = 0 ) + ....
x1 j =1
r =0
x2 j =1

28

Professor Steven Errede, Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois

2005 - 2008. All rights reserved.