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richyw
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Homework Statement
Two small beads having positive charges 3q and q are fixed at opposite ends of a horizontal insulating rod, extending from the origin to the point x=d. A third small charged bead is free to slide on the rod. At what point is the third bead in equilibrium?
Explain whether it can be in stable equilibrium
Homework Equations
[tex]\frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_0}\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
I have already found the equilibrium point. My trouble is explaining whether it can be in stable equilibrium. The answer says as long as it is a positive charge it can be. Is this because if it were a negative particle, any deviation from equilibrium and it would be accelerated into one of the two charges, whereas if it were positive it would oscillate until it reached equilibrium?
This makes sense in my head but I don't really know how to "show" it.