Two point charges and are fixed at and

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential

Problem

Two point charges

+q

and

+q

are fixed at

(a,0,0)

and

(-a,0,0)

. A third point charge

-q

is at the origin. State whether its equilibrium is stable, unstable, or neutral if it is slightly displaced: (a) Along the

x

-axis. (b) Along the

y

-axis.