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mathematical-physics / Classical electrostatics

Maxwell's Conjecture on Point-Charge Equilibria

Do $n$ point charges whose electrostatic potential has only non-degenerate critical points always have at most $(n-1)^2$ of them? A configuration of five charges - three at the vertices of an equilateral triangle plus two small central charges pulled apart into a shallow bipyramid - has at least $24 > 16$ non-degenerate critical points, so the conjecture is false.

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mathematical-physicsJul 29, 2026Significance 30/100Registry: unreviewed

Maxwell's Conjecture on Point-Charge Equilibria

Prior state unknown→disproved

Do $n$ point charges whose electrostatic potential has only non-degenerate critical points always have at most $(n-1)^2$ of them? A configuration of five charges - three at the vertices of an equilateral triangle plus two small central charges pulled apart into a shallow bipyramid - has at least $24 > 16$ non-degenerate critical points, so the conjecture is false.

Source authenticatedMaxwell's Conjecture on Point-Charge Equilibria →
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Do $n$ point charges whose electrostatic potential has only non-degenerate critical points always have at most $(n-1)^2$ of them? A configuration of five charges - three at the vertices of an equilateral triangle plus two small central charges pulled apart into a shallow bipyramid - has at least $24 > 16$ non-degenerate critical points, so the conjecture is false.

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