(1) Hint: Use the concept of stable and unstable equilibrium.
Step 1: Find the electric field at the centre of the ring.
The positive charge Q is uniformly distributed at the surface of the ring. Thus, the electric field at the centre of the ring is zero.
So, the effect of the electric field on charge q due to the positive charge Q is zero.
Now, the only governing factor is the attractive and repulsive forces between charges (Q and q). There are two cases that arise:
Step 2: Find the condition of stable equilibrium.
Case I: When charge q > 0 i.e., q is a positive charge, there creates a repulsive force between charge q and Q. The repulsive forces of charge Q from all around the charge q will push it towards the centre if it is displaced from the centre of the ring.
Step 3: Find the condition of unstable equilibrium.
Case II: When charge q < 0 i.e., q is a negative charge, then there is an attractive force between charge Q and q. If q is shifted from the centre, then the positive charges nearer to this charge will attract it towards itself and charge q will never return to the centre.