Two charges, Q each, are fixed on a horizontal surface at separation 2a. Line OY is vertical and is perpendicular bisector of the line joining the two charges. Another particle of mass m and charge q has two equilibrium positions on the line OY, at A and B. The distances OA and OB are in the ratio `1:3sqrt(3)` (a) Find the distance of the point on the line OY where the particle will be in stable equilibrium. (b) Where will the particle experience maximum electric force – at a point above B or at a point between A and B or somewhere between O and A? Where is the acceleration of particle maximum on y axis from O to B?

Answer

(a). `(3)/(2)a`
(b). Maximum electric force is between A and B. Maximum acceleration is at O.