(a) Consider an arbitrary electrostatic field configuration. A small test charge is placed at a null point (i.e., where E = o) of the configuration. Show that the equilibrium of the test charge is necessarily unstable, (b) Verify this result for the simple configuration of two charges of the same magnitude and sign placed at certain distance apart.
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Mar 22, 2022 11:20 am
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Mar 22, 2022 11:23 am
Solution:
(a) Let us assume that a radial electric field is present with origin as centre. The E is 0 at origin and a small test charge ‘q0’ is placed at origin. Force on test charge at origin is zero.
But as the test charge is displaced a little, the electrostatic force will drift it further away so charge is in unstable equilibrium.
FA > FB so q0 moves towards B.
Check the complete chapter with solutions.
NCERT Solutions for 12th Class Physics: Chapter 1-Electric Charges And Fields
