(i) Write down the expression for the electrostatic potential ϕ(r) due to a distribution of charge ρ(r) contained in a volume V. Perform the multipole expansion of ϕ(r) taken only as far as the dipole term.
(ii) If the volume V is the sphere ∣r∣⩽a and the charge distribution is given by
ρ(r)={r2cosθ0r⩽ar>a
where r,θ are spherical polar coordinates, calculate the charge and dipole moment. Hence deduce ϕ as far as the dipole term.
Obtain an exact solution for r>a by solving the boundary value problem using trial solutions of the forms
ϕ=r2Acosθ for r>a,
and
ϕ=Brcosθ+Cr4cosθ for r<a.
Show that the solution obtained from the multipole expansion is in fact exact for r>a.
[You may use without proof the result
∇2(rkcosθ)=(k+2)(k−1)rk−2cosθ,k∈N.]