Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2016/ib/paper-1/16d/d/solution

The method of images uses the real line charge at the origin and the opposite image charge at . Let
Superposing their logarithmic electrostatic potentials gives, in the physical region ,
At , , so . Its tangential derivatives also vanish on that plane, giving , exactly the electrostatic boundary conditions at a conductor. The image lies outside the physical domain, so it creates no extra physical source there. Together with the appropriate behaviour at infinity, uniqueness of Poisson equation identifies this field with the grounded-conductor solution.

New to topics? Read the docs here!