Chapter 20, Problem 64A

To determine

The forces on the positive ion in a charge trap.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When charged particles are placed in the vicinity of each other, they experience a force known as electrostatic force. Same charge particles experience repulsive force while oppositely charged particles experience an attractive force.

Same charge particles experience repulsive force while oppositely charged particles experience an attractive force. In a charge trap, at the center the positive ion experiences no net force as the repulsive force by the positively charged rods are equal and opposite while the attractive force by the negatively charged rods are equal and opposite. When the ion moves a small distance up or down, the repulsive force increases in the direction it moves, pushing the ion back to the center. Similarly,if the ion moves a small distance to the left or right, the attractive force by the rod pulls it back to the center.