Electric potential configuration problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a problem involving electric potential in three-dimensional space, specifically with a charge Q placed equidistant from the xy, xz, and yz planes. The user proposes a configuration of charges at the corners of a cube to replicate the same electric field. They question whether this setup would maintain a potential of zero at the specified planes. The response confirms that the proposed configuration is valid and suggests calculating the potential to verify that it meets the conditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of checking the potential at the specified planes to ensure accuracy.
bodensee9
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Homework Statement


Hello:
I was wondering if someone can help with the following:

The xy, xz, yz plane are all at equipotential. A charge Q is placed equidistant from all these planes. So I think the coordinate of this Q would be (d, d, d) given some d. If I wanted to find a configuration that provides the same field as this one, could I imagine a cube with side of 2d and place a charge at each corner. Say I take the potential at each of these planes to be 0.
Would I have a charge Q at (d, d, d)
-Q at (d, -d, d)
Q at (d, -d, -d)
-Q at (d, d, -d)
Q at (-d, -d, d)
-Q at (-d, d, d)
Q at (-d, d, -d)
-Q at (-d, -d, -d)?
I don't think I'd be creating a potential at the origin either? Thanks.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You seem to have this one down. That should definitely do it.

To make sure your answer is right, you can always just compute the potential of such a configuration and then plug in the constraints for the given planes (x=0, y=0, and z=0) and see that the potential is zero under these conditions.
 
Thanks!
 
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