(a) Suppose a charge distribution produces a potential , and some othercharge distribution produces a potential . [The two situations mayhave nothing in common, for all I care-perhaps number 1 is a uniformlycharged sphere and number 2 is a parallel-plate capacitor. Please understand that and are not present at the same time;we are talking about two differentproblems,one in which only is present, and another in which only ispresent.] Prove Green's reciprocity theorem:
[Hint:Evaluate two ways, first writing and using integrationby parts to transfer the derivative to , then writing and transferring the derivative to .]
(b) Suppose now that you have two separated conductors (Fig. 3.41). If you chargeup conductor by amount (leaving uncharged), the resulting potential of bis, say,.On the other hand, if you put that same charge on conductor (leaving uncharged), the potential of would be.Use Green's reciprocitytheorem to show that (an astonishing result, since we assumed nothingabout the shapes or placement of the conductors).
