Electric potential configuration problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the configuration of electric potential in a three-dimensional space where the xy, xz, and yz planes are equipotential. A charge Q is positioned at (d, d, d), and the user proposes a cube with side length 2d, placing charges at each corner to replicate the same electric field. The suggested configuration includes alternating charges of Q and -Q at the corners of the cube. The solution confirms that this arrangement will maintain a zero potential at the specified planes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and equipotential surfaces
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law and charge interactions
  • Knowledge of three-dimensional coordinate systems
  • Basic principles of electrostatics and potential energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the electric potential for various charge configurations in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the concept of equipotential surfaces in electrostatics
  • Study the implications of charge placement on electric fields
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of potential from point charges
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric potential configurations and their implications in three-dimensional space.

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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