Chapter 21, Problem 34P

GO Figure 21-35 shows electrons 1 and 2 on an x axis and charged ions 3 and 4 of identical charge −q and at identical angles θ. Electron 2 is free to move; the other three particles are fixed in place at horizontal distances R from electron 2 and are intended to hold electron 2 in place. For physically possible values of q ≤ 5e, what are the (a) smallest, (b) second smallest, and (c) third smallest values of θ for which electron 2 is held in place?

Figure 21-35 Problem 34.