
Euler's Formula,
Proof 7: Dual Electrical Charge
Rather than grouping charges in faces of the graph, we can give a
dual argument that groups charges at vertices. This proof works best
with the convex planar embedding of the graph of a polyhedron, its
Schlegel diagram. The proof by projected Schlegel
diagrams is closely related, but rearranges charges differently.
Rotate the graph if necessary so that no edge is
vertical. As in the previous proof, put a unit charge at each
vertex, a unit charge at the center of each edge, and a unit
charge in the middle of each face. We will show that all but two
charges cancel. To do this, displace the charge on each edge to its
right endpoint; displace the charge on each face (except the outer face)
to its rightmost vertex. Each vertex (except the leftmost vertex)
receives the charges from an alternating sequence of edges and faces,
cancelling its initial charge. The only remaining uncancelled charges
are one charge on the outer face and one charge on the
leftmost vertex.

Proofs of Euler's Formula.
From the Geometry Junkyard,
computational
and recreational geometry pointers.
David Eppstein,
Theory Group,
ICS,
UC Irvine.