Critical points in the potential of a set of point charges

Abstract

The use of a direct search as a method of finding the critical points of a function of three variables is advocated. It is illustrated with the potential of a set of point charges. A personal computer program enables the results to be obtained efficiently. The tetrahedral set displays a catastrophe point and introduces new considerations which might otherwise be overlooked. The example is designed as an exercise for students.

Notes

† Present address: Shell Centre for Mathematical Education, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, England.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

G.G. Hall†

† Present address: Shell Centre for Mathematical Education, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, England.