Solution for the electric potential distribution produced by sphere-plane electrodes using the method of images

Abstract

The solution for the potential distribution between a spherical and planar electrode is briefly reviewed and derived in a simple way using the method of images. An analysis of the convergence of the potential, as a function of the number of image charges accounted, is also performed. Once the potential is obtained, the evaluation of the electric field, capacitance, energy of the system and the force between the electrodes is straightforward. The solution is illustrated with pictures, schematic representations and numerical examples.