Method of Images Explorer

Live Script that calculates and visualizes the electrostatic field of a point charge near a grounded conducting sphere.

The method of images is a way to calculate the electrostatic charge density induced on the surface of a conductor by an external charge. It is often taught in an intermediate level course in electricity and magnetism but is appropriate for an introductory course as well. This Live Script uses the method of images to calculate the electrostatic field of a point charge near a grounded conducting sphere in a plane containing the point charge and the center of the sphere. A variety of visualizations are created. In the limit of infinite sphere radius, the results describe a charge near an infinite conducting planar surface. Hyperlinks to documentation, 'Try this' suggestions, and coding 'Challenges' are included for further exploration.