Electric Field and Potential from a point charge

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric field and potential generated by a positive point charge located within a neutral conducting thin shell, specifically when the charge is offset from the center. Participants explore the implications of this configuration and the uniformity of charge distribution on the shell's outer surface.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant poses a question about determining the electric field and potential inside a conducting shell with an off-center point charge.
  • The same participant questions why the positive charge distribution on the outer surface of the shell is uniform.
  • Another participant suggests that the original post should be in a homework subforum, implying a need for proper categorization of the question.
  • A later reply clarifies that the inquiry is not a homework problem but rather a conceptual exploration related to the method of image charges.
  • One participant indicates that the method of image charges is a solution method rather than a direct answer to the posed questions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of the original question, with some viewing it as a homework problem and others as a conceptual inquiry. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the electric field and potential in the given scenario.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the charge distribution and the method of image charges, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

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In this problem, we have a positive point charge in a conducting thin shell. The shell is overall neutral. The complication is that the charge is not at the center of the sphere but maybe half radius away.

How do we find the electric field and potential inside the sphere?

Why the distribution of positive charge on the outer surface of the shell uniform?

Thanks!
 
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Thanks, this is not a homework problem but something I was thinking about the other day. Glad to know it's covered by the method of image charges.
 
I would suggest you read the article. It's not something that is there, it's a solution method.
 

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