Two equal negative charges -q are fixed at the point (0, a) and (0,-a) on the y -axis. A positive charge Q is released from rest at the point (2 a, 0) on the x -axis. The charge will

Step-by-step solution

Component of force on charge of +Q at P , along x -axis, aligned F_x & = 2 Q q 4 ₀ (a^2+x^2 ) x a^2+x^2 & = 2 Q q x 4 ₀ (a^2+x^2 ) x a^2+x^2 & = 2 Q q x 4 ₀ (a^2+x^2 )^ 3 / 2 aligned Which is not directly proportional to x . So, motion is oscillatory but not SHM.