Method of Images

Discipline Course-I

Semester-II

Paper No: Electricity and Magnetism

Lesson: Method of image

Lesson Developer: Dr. Amit Choudhary

College/ Department: Physics Department, Deshbandhu

College, Kalkaji, University of Delhi

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 Method of Images

Table of Contents
14.1. Introduction
14.1.1. Induced surface charge
14.1.2. Force and energy
14.2. Uniqueness theorem and method of image
14.3. Point charge close to conducting plane
14.4. Dipole and conducting planes
14.5. Point charge close to conducting sphere
14.6. Conducting sphere in uniform electric field
14.7. Problems
Multiple choice questions
Questions

References/further readings

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 Method of Images

Learning Objectives
This lesson aims at the following student learning objectives.
 Know the uniqueness theorem
 About the technique method of electrical image for the:
o Calculation of electric field at some point in the ambient of a system when
charge is placed in front of
 Conducting plane
 Conducting sphere
o Calculation of electric field at some point when dipole is placed
 Conducting plane
 Calculation of other properties of the system like
o Nature of force between the charge and object placed close to it
o Work done in removing the charge from the electric field of the system

14.1. Introduction
The method of images is a mathematical technique to solve problems of one or more point charges
which are situated close to boundary surfaces. Lord Kelvin (1824-1907) had developed the method of
electrical images for the solution of complex problem involving charges and conducting surfaces. The
idea of electrical images involves that the complicated charge distribution can be replaced, for
simplicity, by either a set of point charges or simply a point charge leaving no effect on the boundary
conditions of the problems. In this way, this is the technique to place a point charge or a set of point
charges in place of complex charge distribution (such as how much charge is induced on the system
and how it is distributed) of opposite polarity in place of infinite grounded conducting plane. Thus a
point charge or a set of point charges of appropriate magnitude are placed in peripheral to the region
of interest at appropriate distance of boundary and can mimic the required boundary conditions, are
called as image charges and the technique of replacement of boundaries with image charges in the
extended region is called method of images.

Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Thomson,_1st_Baron_Kelvin

For example, if we consider a system of charge placed at some distance from an

infinite grounded conducting plane. Now if do not know the distribution and quantity of
induced negative charge generated due to on the conducting plane, then it becomes
difficult to know the potential at some point in the scenario of this system.
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 Method of Images

Now let us make it more generalize, if we consider a system of point charges say ,
… …… , as shown in Fig. 1(a) then the potential due to these charges at some point
is
(1)
And the potential at some point due to grounded conducting plane is zero.
Now we take the combination of a system of charges and a grounded conducting plane
then the grounded conductor may be replaced with a system of charges of opposite
polarity which is called as image of the actual charges. The combination of imaginary
and actual charge should produce the zero potential on the surface of conducting plane
which fulfills the boundary condition of grounded state of conducting plane. Now we can
ignore the presence of conducting plane and can take into account a system of actual
and image charges as shown in Fig. 1(b). This combination of charge and conducting
plane is one of several problems which can be solved by this technique of method of
electrical image. The other systems can be a point charge or linear charges placed in
front of conducting sphere or more systems such as sphere etc. In this chapter, we shall
discuss some cases such as point charge placed in front of grounded conducting plane,
sphere, dipole placed in front of grounded conducting plane, and conducting sphere
placed in a uniform electric field.

(a) Grounded conducting (b) Grounded conducting

plane plane

Image of Actual Actual charges Image of Actual Actual charges

charges charges

Fig. 1. (a) The actual system with image charges, and (b) the proposed system one can
work with by ignoring the presence of plane.

14.1.1. Induced surface charge

It is straight forward method to calculate the induced surface charge on the surface
of conductor. We know that electric field is the negative gradient of potential, then
we can write
(2)
Where is the position vector in the direction of point where potential is to be
calculated. Then, the relation between surface charge density on the conductor and
and hence also by using Eq. (2) is

(3)
This shows that the induced charge on the surface of conducting plane will be of
opposite polarity than the actual charge. Thus by knowing the potential at point
due to combination of image and actual charges, one can get the surface charge
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 Method of Images

density.
The case can be extended to the other surfaces also, such as spherical, cylindrical
surface.

14.1.2. Force and energy

Now since the induced charge developed on the surface of conducting plane is of
opposite polarity, therefore, there would an attractive force between the actual
charge and the imaginary charge of equal magnitude. Let us consider a system in
which the distance between conducting plane and point charge is then the total
distance between actual and image of charge is as shown in Fig.2. Thus, the
force generated between them will be
(4)

The exerted force will be in the direction of line passing through both the point
charges.
Then, the energy of this system can be calculated by integrating the force to find the
work required to bring from to i.e.
(5)
Substituting the expression of in Eq. 5, we get

(6)
Eq. 6 represents the energy of the system.

14.2. Uniqueness theorem and method of image

In case of conductors, there is zero electric field strength inside the conductor in
equilibrium state. Therefore, the whole charge density is confined within few atomic
layers of conductors i.e. at the surface of conductor. Then, the surface charge
density is responsible for the electric field strength at exterior point close to the
conductor. The electric field around the conductor can be obtained by knowing the
potential around it. This can be achieved by solving the Laplace’s equation for
potential under the appropriate boundary conditions over the surface of conductor.
The Uniqueness theorem is related to boundary value problems in electrostatics and
says that the there is only one solution to the Laplace’s equation which satisfies the
given boundary conditions.
Let us discuss the Uniqueness theorem. The theorem states that the Laplace’s
equation satisfying given boundary conditions have one and only one solution i.e.
unique solution.
Proof: Let us consider a closed volume V. Consider that the surfaces
be the surfaces of the conductors enclosed within the V. All the conductors are
bounded by a common surface S. Let us suppose and are the two distinct
solutions Laplace’s equation in volume V. These solutions satisfy the same boundary
conditions on surfaces . Let using the boundary conditions. Also
using the same boundary conditions, where is the normal
component to the surface and also called as normal derivative.

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 Method of Images

S Outer boundary
S1 may be at infinity

S2

S3

S4

Fig. 2 Schematic of the conductors within a volume V.

Now let us substitute into Gauss divergence theorem, we get

(7)
Where and are the surface and volume elements respectively.
Using vector identity,

Substituting this relation in Eq. (7)

(8)
But form Laplace equation, we have . Thus, Eq. (8) becomes
(9)
As we have considered two possible solution for Laplace’s equation and , so
Their linear combination must be the solution of Laplace’s equation
satisfying the same boundary conditions. Then substituting the for in Eq.
(9). Then we get,
(10)
Now applying the boundary condition or . This shows that the
L.H.S. becomes equal to zero. Then
(11)
Now again shows that integrand must be zero so that integrand vanishes.
Thus

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 Method of Images

(12)
Or
This implies that the integral constant has no contribution in the
calculation of electric field. Hence the two potential and give the same electric
field distribution under the same boundary conditions. In other words, they are the
same or unique solution of Laplace’s equation. Thus, the uniqueness theorem is
proved.

Let us see its use in method of images. Suppose, the potential can be written as
(13)
Where is a potential that can be calculated easily and the integral part is the
contribution from the surface charge density of the conducting surface. In this
problem is not known but this is the important part of the method of images. Thus
the last term in Eq. (13) can be replaced by . The potential is due to definite
charge contribution. This situation can be possible if the surfaces of all the
conductors coincide with the equipotential surface of the combined potential .
The definite charges producing potential are called image charges. These
charges do not really exists. The potential is valid solution to the problem
only in exterior region because their existence appears inside the conductors.
Thus this is a method for obtaining the solution of electrostatic problems using
boundary conditions without solving a differential equation. However, this is not
applicable to all problems but a large variety of problem come into this category.
Limitations of Uniqueness theorem: Following are the limitations of Uniqueness
theorem under which it is valid for the problem solutions:
1. The potential should be well defined at all the boundaries i.e. , as
and the corresponding surface integral vanishes as discussed in Eq. (11).
2. The gradient of net potential, , should be well defined at all the boundaries
such that as discussed in Eq. (12).
3. For boundaries specifies for conductors, should be well defined by using
Gauss’s law.
4. If the boundary conditions and volume charge density are specified in a system
where volume charges are present, then potential at a point can be uniquely
specified.

14.3. Point charge close to conducting plane

Consider a conducting plane which is placed in the plane plane of coordinate
axis. This plane is grounded so that zero potential could be maintained at its surface.
Now consider a charge on axis at distance form the sheet which is placed at
origin. This charge is expected to induce – charge on the surface of conducting
plane. But the problem is that it is not concentrated at a point so it is required to
take charge density in to account which we do not know quantitatively.
Thus as discussed in the introduction section of this chapter we can consider the
– on the opposite side of the conducting sheet which is called the image of actual
charge, as shown in Fig. 3. Since the image and actual charge are of equal
magnitude and placed at the same distance from origin, so the electric potential will
be zero on the conducting plane. Now if we ignore the presence of sheet then still the
boundary condition is satisfied and can be worked with the actual charge and its
image.

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 Method of Images

(0,-d,0) (0,d,0)

Conducting sheet

Ground

Fig. 3

Now let us consider a point at position from origin O where we want to calculate
the electric field strength and the direction of electric field. The electric potential at
is
(14)
The unit vectors of the co-ordinate axis is . Then the position vector of
and – are and from origin respectively. Now, and are the
position vector of from and – . Then
(15)
We know that , then the electric field can be written as the derivative of
potential. So

(16)

(17)

(18)
The electric field strength
(19)

The electric field strength can be calculated at some special cases such as if is on
the conducting sheet itself then the electric field can be calculated by as

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 Method of Images

(20)

(21)

(22)

Thus, the magnitude of electric field at is equal to and is directed

towards the normal of the conducting surface of the plane i.e. in the direction of .

Surface charge density on the conductor

If is the induced surface charge density of on the conducting sheet at , then

the electric field at can be written as

(23)

Induced charge on the conducting plane

We know that the surface charge density is equal to the total charge per unit area
i.e.

(24)

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 Method of Images

In order to specify the area, let us consider a small ring of radius and thickness ,
as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

Then

. (25)

Area of ring is as shown in Fiq. 3. Now, substituting the expression of area and
charge density [Eq. (23)] in Eq. (25). We get,

(26)

For the total charge on the sheet, we need to integrate Eq. (26) from to

(27)

Now solving the integral in Eq. (27) by putting ; in the

above Eq. (27). Then,

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 Method of Images

(28)

This shows that the total charge on the conducting plane is equal in magnitude and
opposite sign to the inducing charge .

Since the induced charge on the conducting plane is equal and opposite to the actual
charge placed closed to the plane, therefore there would be an attractive force in
between the conducting plane and the actual charge.

The force between conducting sheet and charge

The nature of force between grounded conductor plane and is attractive because
the induced charge is of negative and the positive and opposite polarity charges
attract each other. Thus the force between charge and the grounded conducting
sheet is same as the force between and image charge – . Then, it can be written
as

(29)

The negative sign of force clarifies the attractive nature of force between conducting
plane and the actual charge which is directed towards perpendicular to the plane of
conductor i.e. normal to the plane of conductor which is directed along .

Work done in removing the charge q to infinity

We have obtained the force between conductor and charge along the line passing
through – , plane (grounded) and . Then, the work done against this force in
removing the charge from the distance between two charges, to infinity, will be

Substituting the expressions of force and position vector .

(30)

The work done in removing the charge is given by . Thus, the work done in

bringing the charge from infinity to the position d will .

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 Method of Images

14.3. Dipole and conducting planes

Consider a dipole of dipole moment is
situated a distance above an infinite
grounded conducting plane (Fig. 5). The dipole
makes and angle with the perpendicular to - +
the plane. Now we shall try to know the torque
on . If the dipole is free to rotate, in what
orientation will it come to rest?
As shown in Fig. 5, the dipole is situated
above the grounded plane at a distance and
make angle with plane normal. There is an
induced charge development due to presence of
on the conducting plane, which would apply
the electric field on . This electric field will
apply a force on the due to which a torque
will be a torque on .
(31)
As the electric field is due to induced charge
on conducting plane so there must be
equivalent field due to the field, which should
be applied by the image. This image dipole will
Fig. 5
be developed across the conducting plane.
+
Then, let us consider an image of dipole
moment at a distance in – direction from
conducting plane. Then the electric field at due to will be

The vector is along making an angle with . The image dipole moment can be
expressed as

So the electric field can be as

Putting , therefore

(32)

The expression of actual dipole can be written as

(33)

Thus the torque in Eq. (31) can be written as

In component form ; and then torque can be written

as

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 Method of Images

Since electric field dipole moment in y direction are absent. Then

(34)
Substituting the expressions of dipole moment from Eq. (33) and electric field from Eq.
(32) in Eq. (34) expression

(35)
Expression in Eq. (35) suggests that the torque has the direction along (out of
page) and then produces the twist as shown in Fig. 5.
In order to find the orientation of dipole let us check the angular part of the torque in
Eq. (35)

Then the torque becomes

If then there will be no torque in the dipole . But there will be a torque if a
small change in the angle is made due to which dipole tends to rotate back to its
equilibrium state.
-
14.4. Point charge close to conducting sphere
Consider a grounded sphere of radius at origin and a charge placed at a distance
from the origin outside and close to this sphere as shown in Fig. 6. Now our purpose is
to find out the electric field at a point outside the sphere at position . Once the
electric field is known then other properties like surface charge density, force on the
sphere etc. can also be calculated by using the electric field. For this purpose, first we
need to calculate the potential.
Now consider an image charge inside the sphere at a distance of from the origin. Let
us consider the following:
OM= , OL= , OP’= .
Since the sphere is grounded so the potential
at the surface of the sphere is zero i.e.
at position . Also the potential at infinity
is zero i.e. at .
So the expression for potential at P’ is given
as

(36)

In order to know MP’ and LP’, consider the

triangle OLP’ and Fig. 6

(37)
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 Method of Images

And in triangle OMP’

(38)

Substituting Eq. (37) and (38) in Eq. (36), we get

(39)

Now let us choose that , then Eq. (39) becomes

(40)

Eq. (40) reveals that the magnitude of image charge is not equal to the actual charge but it
has the magnitude of situated at a distance of from the center of the sphere in the
line joining the center to actual charge .

Now let us consider a point outside the sphere where the potential is to be find out.
The potential at this point can be written as

But and

Therefore

(41)

Now we can calculate the electric field strength at point in the component form along
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 Method of Images

the normal OP. Then

(42)

And

(43)

Then, the electric field on the surface of the sphere can be calculated by substituting the
in Eq. (42) and (43)

(44)

And

Thus the magnitude of electric field at r=R is .

Surface charge density of induced charge on the surface of sphere:

Let be the surface charge density on the surface of the sphere. Then,

(45)

Force between the sphere and the point charge:

The force between the sphere of radius and point charge is the same as between

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 Method of Images

and . Therefore, the force

Newton. (46)

The force is attractive as confirmed by negative sign.

14.5. Conducting sphere in a uniform electric field

We can consider a uniform electric field between two point charges of magnitude
placed at infinity. If we consider the position of two charges at i.e. is placed at
– and – is placed at in the direction of axis as shown in the Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) shows
the direction of electric field at a point due to the combine effect of two charges. The net
electric field will be approximately parallel to axis.

(a)

(b)

Fig. 7 16
 Method of Images

Now consider a sphere [Fig. 7(b)] at origin in the system shown in Fig. 7(a). We have to
find out the potential at any arbitrary point outside the sphere placed at position
and an angle with respect to . The potential at this point will be due to the
combine effect of and their images inside the sphere at . The charges of the
images will be respectively as discussed in the above section. Then the potential
developed at can be written as

(47)

Since, is much less than position vector so we can expand the denominators of first
two terms taking common and factor the after as

And

Also the denominators in last two term of Eq. (47) can be expanded by taking common
as

And

Using these expansions in Eq. (47), we get

(48)

At , the electric field is uniform. Let us denote this field as . Then Eq.
(48) can be written as

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 Method of Images

(49)

As , so Eq. (49) can be written as

(50)

In Eq. (50), the first term is potential due to the actual charges whereas the second term
is potential due to the images of actual charges i.e. due to the induced surface charge
density on the sphere.

The surface charge density can be calculated as

Using Eq. (50), we get

(51)

The surface integral of surface charge density will vanish representing that there will be
no difference a grounded and an insulated sphere.

Value addition: Did you Know

Magnetostatic application of method of image

Body text: The method of electrical image may also be applied to magnetic
field calculation in the case of magnetostatics other than electrostatics.
Recently, the method of image technique has been utilized to find out the
magnetic field of a magnet in the vicinity of superconducting surface. It has
been assumed that if the superconductor is an ideal diamagnet (into which the
magnetic field does not penetrate), the mirror image of the magnet will be of
same sign and will have a magnetization vector that is mirrored, but of the same
sign. Here the case is different as the mirror image of magnet is of same sign
so the force between superconductor and magnet is repulsive.

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 Method of Images

A magnetic dipole over the superconducting surface. The field between the
magnet and surface is the same as between this magnet and a symmetric one.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Method_of_images

14.6. Problems

Question Number Type of question

1 Multiple Choice Questions

Question
14.1.1. The induced charge is assumed at ____________ from the grounded
conducting plane but in opposite direction to the actual charge.
1) Unequal distance
2) Oblique distance
3) In plane to the conduction plane
4) Equal distance

14.1.2. In general, the sign and magnitude of induced image charge in a

system of grounded conducting plane and a point charge are
1) Same and equal to actual charge
2) Same and unequal to actual charge
3) Opposite and unequal to the actual charge
4) Opposite and equal to the actual charge

14.1.3. The sign and magnitude of induced charge in a system of sphere and
point charge are
1) Same and equal to actual charge Non-polar
2) Same and unequal to actual charge
3) Opposite and unequal to the actual charge
4) None of the above

14.1.4. The induced charge on the surface of a sphere of radius , which is

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 Method of Images

placed at a distance of from a point charge in the direction of axis, can be

assumed at
1) center
2)
3)
4) None

Answers 1) 4 2) 4 3) 3 4) 3

14.7.

Question Number Type of question

2 True/False

Questions
14.1.1. In all cases of method of images, the image charge is always found to
be of opposite nature real charge available in the system. True/False

14.1.2. In the case of conducting sphere and a real charge placed close to it,
the magnitude of image charge is independent the position of real and image
charge. True/False

14.1.3. The method of electrical image is not limited to a system of point

charges only but it can be extended to line charges also. True/False

14.1.4. The method of electrical images is applicable to conducting object

placed close to a point charge and not applicable to dielectric objects placed
closed to a point charge. True/False

14.1.5. The force developed between a conducting object and a point charge is
always attractive. True/False

Answers 1) True 2) False 3) True 4) False 5) True

Question Number Type of question

3 Subjective

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 Method of Images

Question
1. What is an electrical image method? A point charge is situated near an infinite
plane earthed conductor. Apply the method of image to calculate: a) surface
charge density induced on the plane, b) the force between plane and the
charge.

2. An electron is at distance of 10 Angstrom from a n infinite plane conductor.

Calculate the force experienced by the electron and the work done in moving
it to the infinite from conductor.

References and further readings

1. J. R. Reitz, F. J. Milford, and R. W. Cristy, “Foundations

of electromagnetics theory”,Narosa Publishing House,
New Delhi.
2. David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd
edition.
3. J. D. Jackson (1998). Classical Electrodynamics (3rd
ed.). John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-471-30932-1.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric

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