Q.No.12.6: - If a point charge q of mass m is released in a non-uniform electric field, will it make a rectilinear motion?

Q.No.12.6: - If a point charge q of mass m is released in a non-uniform electric field, will it make a rectilinear motion?

Ans: - A rectilinear motion means a motion along a straight line. If a point charge q of mass m is placed at any point in the non-uniform electric field. Suppose this field is caused by a positive point charge then the charge will experience a repulsive force (as the force will exert on the charge along the line joining the two charges) and the charge will follow a straight path which makes a rectilinear motion.