# Finding the potential between two spherical shells [closed]

How to find the potential in region $a<r<b$

I know that the general solution for Laplace's equation is $$V(r,\theta)=\sum_{l=0} \left[A_l r^l +\frac{B_l}{r^{l+1}} \right]P_l(\cos{\theta}).$$

But I don't know how to use the boundary conditions to solve this problem. So how to?

## closed as off-topic by ACuriousMind♦, Jim, Prahar, Kyle Kanos, Brandon EnrightNov 25 '14 at 19:37

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Your boundaries are at $r=a$ and $r=b$. Notice that the potentials at these two surfaces are independent of $\theta$ (they are spherically symmetric). Look at a list of the first few Legendre Polynomials $P_{l}(\cos{\theta})$. For what value of $l$ does $P_{l}(\cos{\theta})$ not depend on $\theta$? Further, notice that $V(a) = V(r=a,\theta) = V_{0}$, and $V(b) = V(r=b,\theta) = -V_{0}$. I will expand on this answer if you need more help, but these are the vital clues.
• Try answering this first: Look at a table showing the first few Legendre Polynomials. For what value of $l$ does $P_{l}(\cos\theta)$ not depend on $\theta$? – G. Paily Nov 25 '14 at 19:01
• from the table, for $l=0$ – A.khalaf Nov 25 '14 at 19:30