A charge +q is placed at (a,0,0) and another +q charge is placed at (−a,0,0). A charge −q1 is placed at the origin. If it is slightly displaced along y axis. Then :
A
it will move away
B
it will oscillate but will not execute SHM
C
it will execute SHM
D
it will stand at the displaced position
Medium
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Solution
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Correct option is C)
Let the charge be displaced to (0,y).
The electric force due to a point charge is given by F=4πϵ0r3qQr
The electric force due to the charge at (a,0,0) is F1=4πϵ01(a2+y2)3−qq1(−ai^+yj^)
The electric force due to the charge at (−a,0,0) is F2=4πϵ01(a2+y2)3−qq1(ai^+yj^)
Thus, the total force experienced by q1 due to the system of charges is
F=F1+F2=4πϵ01(a2+y2)3−qq1(2yj^)
As the displacement is small, i.e., y<<a, F≈4πϵ01a3−qq1(2y)j^=−2πϵ0a3qq1yj^
We get F∝−y
The force is proportional to the displacement and is in the opposite direction. Thus, it executes a SHM.