The general solution for the electric potential in spherical coordinates with azimuthal symmetry (no ϕ dependence) is:

V(r,θ)=l=0(Alrl+Blrl+1)Pl(cosθ)

Consider a metal sphere (constant potential in and on the sphere, remember). Which terms in the sum vanish outside the sphere? (Recall: V0 as r)

  1. All the Al's
  2. All the Al's except A0
  3. All the Bl's
  4. All the Bl's except B0
  5. Something else
The general solution for the electric potential in spherical coordinates with azimuthal symmetry (no ϕ dependence) is: V(r,θ)=l=0(Alrl+Blrl+1)Pl(cosθ) Consider a metal sphere (constant potential in and on the sphere, remember). Which terms in the sum vanish outside the sphere? (Recall: V0 as r) All the Al's All the Al's except A0 All the Bl's All the Bl's except B0 Something else CORRECT ANSWER: E Only B0 will survive.