- #1
CAF123
Gold Member
- 2,948
- 88
Homework Statement
A point charge remains stationary at the origin for a long time but then, at time t = 0, is displaced, at uniform speed c/2, to a new position R, where it stops.
Sketch with care the equipotentials of ##\phi## at a time t = R/c, and then again at time t = 4R/c. Your sketches should including distances both large and small compared to R.
Homework Equations
[/B]
retarded time ##t_R = t - |r-r'|/c##
The Attempt at a Solution
[/B]
What is t? the position of the charge or the retarded position as measured by some observer? Assuming the former, when ##t=R/c,## the charge is at position R/2. So ct=R and so we have circles centered around the point R/2. Outside R, the equipotentials are those from when the charge was at origin. So should draw circles centered at R/2 and with radii between 0 and R?
Similar analysis for t=4R/c, the charge is at 2R and ct=4R so have circles centered at 2R until max radius 4R. Beyond that, have circles centered at origin. Is it right?