# Earnshaw's theorem

> English word · Proper noun

## Definitions
1. 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.

## Etymology
First proven by British mathematician Samuel Earnshaw in 1842.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/earnshaw-s-theorem