Charge Distribution on Metallic Plates

[surajkaul]

Homework Statement

Four identical metallic plates, each of area A, are seprated by a
distance d as showen in the Figure. Plate 2 is given a charge Q. Plates 1 and 4 Both are earthed.

Homework Equations

• Charge Distribution i.e. Charge on each Plate and On each Side of the Plate.
• Will the Outer Surface(Earthed Surface) of the Plates 1 and 4 be having Zero Charge on Them.

The Attempt at a Solution

I really Could not figure out as the Earthed Plates are Confusing Me. I have done similar question where the None of the Plates are Earthed. I tried to start on the same Lines, But ended up confusing myself more. So It will be really Great if I get a good Explanation for this.

Thanks in Advance.
Cheers.

 

[aim1732]

The earthed surface has same potential as Earth - zero. Does this help?

 

[surajkaul]

The earthed surface has same potential as Earth - zero. Does this help?

I know that they at Zero Potential But don't know how to put this Fact to Good Use.
Thanks Anyway. :)

 

[aim1732]

You calculate net potential due to all plates at that point and put it equal to zero. This should be related to charges on these plates and hence can give the distribution.