  We study the equilibrium, oscillatory and transport properties of a chain of
charged particles which interact with each other via the Coulomb and power-like
repulsive interactions. Exact, analytical expressions for the energy of the
ground state, interparticle distances, and vibration spectrum are derived, and
the stability criterion for a chain with equidistant particles is established.
We also consider the phenomenon of deterministic transport of a chain in a
ratchet potential subject to a longitudinal alternating electric field.
