Solution

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

The force on the real line charge is due to the induced conductor field, represented by the image charge; its own singular field must be omitted. The opposite image at distance produces at the origin a field toward the conductor,
Multiplying by the charge per unit length gives the attractive force per unit length:
The attraction holds for either sign of . The geometry assumes , so the real line lies outside the conductor.

New to topics? Read the docs here!