Finding the position of an image charge

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of the Method of Images to determine the position of an image charge in electrostatics. The user struggles with placing the imaginary charge correctly to satisfy the boundary condition of zero potential on the surface of a conductor. It is established that while a negative charge can be placed to achieve zero potential, complications arise when trying to maintain the boundary conditions, particularly with circular configurations. The conversation highlights the complexity of ensuring convergence in charge placement while adhering to the total charge constraint.

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  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Familiarity with the Method of Images
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in electrostatics
  • Basic grasp of charge configurations and their implications
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  • Research boundary conditions for conductors in electrostatic problems
  • Explore charge distribution and convergence in electrostatics
  • Examine specific examples of image charge problems involving circular boundaries
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those specializing in electrostatics, as well as engineers working with electrical fields and charge distributions.

Arman777
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Homework Statement
Finding the position of an image charge
Relevant Equations
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I am trying to use the Method of images for this configuration, But somehow I don't know where should I put the imaginary charge. I know the on the surface of the conductor the potential must be zero and the imaginary charge should be other side of the conductor but that's all I cay..
 

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Are you sure you need to find image charge for the problem? I mean there may not exist such configuration of image charge(it may,but I don't know). If you want the plates to be at 0 potential,you put -Q charge at some distance but this doesn't yield boundary condition on circle. You put another charge to make it 0 but this screws up potential at plates and ad infinitum subject to total constraint that sum of charges is -Q and I don't think that this will be converging!
 
I see. I don't have much about how to solve this problem...
 

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