Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences · Problem 2.16

FUNCTIONS OF A COMPLEX VARIABLE — Mary Boas

Mathematics — Methods · laplace-equation-uniqueness

Problem

Show that there is only one function uu which takes given values on the (closed) boundary of a region and satisfies Laplace's equation ∇2u=0\nabla^2 u = 0 in the interior of the region. HintsHints: Suppose u1u_1 and u2u_2 are both solutions with the same boundary conditions so that U=u1−u2=0U = u_1 - u_2 = 0 on the boundary. In Green's first identity (Chapter 6, Problem 10.16), let ϕ=ψ=U\phi = \psi = U to show that ∇U≡0\nabla U \equiv 0. Thus show U≡0U \equiv 0 everywhere inside the region.

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