Two charges -q each are fixed separated by distance 2d. A third charge q of mass m placed at the mid-point is displaced slightly by x(x<<d) perpendicular to the line joining the two fixed charged as shown in figure. Show that q will perform simple harmonic oscillation of time period.
T=[8π3ε0md3q2]1/2T=[8π3ε0md3q2]1/2
Let us elaborate the figure fist.
Given, two charge -q at A and B
AB=AO+OB=2d
x = small distance perpendicular to O.
i.e., x<d mass of charge Q is. So, force of attraction at P towards A and B are each F=q(q)4πε0r2, where AP=BP=r
Horizontal components of these forces Fn are cancelled out. Vertical components along PO add.
If ∠APO=O, the net force on q along PO is
F'=2F cos Q
=2q24πε0r2(xr)
=2q2x4πε0(d2+x2)3/2
When, x<<d, F'=2q2x4πε0d3=Kx
where, K=2q24πε0d3
⇒F∝x
i.e., force on charge q is proportional to its displacement from the centre O and it is directed towards O.
Hence, motion of charge q would be simple harmonic, where
ω=√Km
and T=2πω=2π√mK
=2π√m4πε0d32q2=[8π3ε0md3q2]1/2
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