College Physics ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (10): 111-.doi: 10.16854/j.cnki.1000-0712.240526

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The calculation of the electric multipole potential and field strength and their  physical essence

DONG Xianghao1, WANG Nengchao2,1   

  1. 1. School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China;
    2. School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China
  • Received:2024-11-14 Revised:2025-02-24 Online:2025-12-20 Published:2025-12-29

Abstract: This paper presents a method for calculating the potentials and electric field strengths of higher-order electric multipoles based on known electric multipole potentials. The method employs simpler mathematical techniques by using known multipoles as a reference. Through coordinate transformation, the potential of newly constructed electric multipoles is expressed in terms of the known multipole potentials. Traditional methods for calculating the electric potential and field strength of electric multipoles often rely on complex mathematical operations and cumbersome derivations, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in practical applications. Additionally, such methods pose challenges for lower-level students with limited mathematical knowledge to learn and understand. The proposed calculation method offers a clear physical picture, which also aids in deepening the understanding of the physical nature of electric dipoles and electric dipole moments.

Key words: electric multipole, electric multipole moment, electric potential, electric field