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Point Charge




The fundamental Equation of Electrostatics is Coulomb's Law , which describes the force between two point charges.

The Electric Field associated with a point charge is infinite at the location of the point charge. Fortunately, a consistent theory of Quantum Electrodynamics developed in part by Richard Feynman removes the need for infinitesimal point charges altogether.

Earnshaw's Theorem states that a collection of point charges cannot be maintained in an Equilibrium configuration solely by the electrostatic interaction of the charges. In the Crystal Field Theory , in which ligands surround a central metal ion, the ligands are modelled as point charges, and the interactions between the metal as solely electrostatic.



EXTERNAL ARTICLES AND FURTHER READING

  • Eric W. Weisstein, "'' Point Charge ''".

  • F. H. J. Cornish, "'' Classical radiation theory and point charges ''". Proc. Phys. Soc. 86 427-442, 1965. doi:10.1088/0370-1328/86/3/301

  • O. D. Jefimenko, "''Direct calculation of the electric and magnetic fields of an electric point charge moving with constant velocity''". Am. J. Phys.62 (1994), 79.