Earnshaw's theorem

proper noun

A theorem stating that a collection of point charges cannot be maintained in a stable stationary equilibrium configuration solely by the electrostatic interaction of the charges.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. natural sciencesA theorem stating that a collection of point charges cannot be maintained in a stable stationary equilibrium configuration solely by the electrostatic interaction of the charges.

Origin

First proven by British mathematician Samuel Earnshaw in 1842.

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Cite this entry
APA

Earnshaw's theorem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Earnshaw's%20theorem

MLA

“Earnshaw's theorem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Earnshaw's%20theorem. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Earnshaw's theorem,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Earnshaw's%20theorem.

Source: Earnshaw's theorem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.