Levitation in an "almost" electrostatic field

Authors

  • E.N. Miranda

Keywords:

Levitation, electrostatic, equilibrium points

Abstract

It is well known that a charged particle cannot be in stable equilibrium in a purely electrostatic field. The situation is different in a magnetostatic field; consequently, magnetic levitation is possible while electrostatic levitation is not. In this paper, motivated by an analogy with a mechanical system, we show that the addition of a small oscillating electrical field to an otherwise electrostatic configuration leads to the stabilisation of unstable equilibrium points. Therefore, levitation becomes possible in an ``almost electrostatic'' field.

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Published

2004-01-01

How to Cite

[1]
E. Miranda, “Levitation in an ‘almost’ electrostatic field”, Rev. Mex. Fis. E, vol. 50, no. 2 Jul-Dec, pp. 120–122, Jan. 2004.

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 2 Jul-Dec (2004): Revista Mexicana de Física E

Section

Artículos

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