Introduction to Continuum Electrostatics, with Molecular Applications

Ideas from the macroscopic world have long been translated to the microscopic world of molecules. Examples include mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electrostatics. It is sometimes said that such applications often succeed better than have any right to, given the extrapolation of size scales. Classical electrostatics in particular provides intuitive insights that help us to reason about the properties of molecules. It also allows quantitative or at least semi-quantitative predictions of such properties, depending upon the nature of the problem, the availability of adequate parameters, etc. These notes discuss the basics of continuum electrostatics and its application to classically described molecular systems. I have tried to stick with Standard International (SI) units here, but multiple systems of units and notation are frequently used in classical electrostatics, and there may be a few inadvertent deviations. The equations have been checked, but not with a fine-toothed comb. Please feel free to call any apparent errors to my attention: [email protected].