Introduction to Electrodynamics · Problem 4.11

Electric Fields in Matter — David J. Griffiths

Physics · bound-charges-bar-electret

Problem

A short cylinder, of radius aa and length LL, carries a ``frozen-in'' uniform polarization P\mathbf{P}, parallel to its axis. Find the bound charge, and sketch the electric field (i) for L≫aL \gg a, (ii) for L≪aL \ll a, and (iii) for L≈aL \approx a. [This is known as a bar electret; it is the electrical analog to a bar magnet. In practice, only very special materials—barium titanate is the most ``familiar'' example—will hold a permanent electric polarization. That's why you can't buy electrets at the toy store.]

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