Schmidt's potential theory

Schmidt's potential theory suggests that the distribution and behavior of electric charges on a conductor's surface are influenced by the shape and geometry of the conductor itself. It proposes that charges tend to accumulate more densely at areas with higher curvature, such as sharp edges or points. This concentration occurs because these regions have a lower potential, making it easier for charges to gather there. The theory helps explain phenomena like lightning rods attracting lightning and the design of electrostatic shielding, by illustrating how a conductor’s shape impacts charge distribution and electrical behavior.