Introduction to Electrodynamics · Problem 2.58

Electrostatics — David J. Griffiths

Physics · zero-field-points-polygon-charges

Problem

(a) Consider an equilateral triangle, inscribed in a circle of radius aa, with a point charge qq at each vertex. The electric field is zero (obviously) at the center, but (surprisingly) there are three other points inside the triangle where the field is zero. Where are they? [Answer:r=0.285 a[Answer: r = 0.285\,a—you'll probably need a computer to get it.] (b) For a regular nn-sided polygon there are nn points (in addition to the center) where the field is zero. Find their distance from the center for n=4n = 4 and n=5n = 5. What do you suppose happens as n→∞n \to \infty?

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