Potential energy of the system increase or decrease?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential energy of a system consisting of two electrons as they move apart. Participants are exploring the relationship between distance and potential energy in the context of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning how the potential energy changes as two electrons separate, with some suggesting that the total potential energy remains constant while others argue it decreases. There are inquiries about the specific formula for potential energy and how it relates to distance.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have provided hints and guidance regarding the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, but there is no explicit consensus on the understanding of potential energy in this context.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the interpretation of numerical values and the implications of distance on potential energy. Participants are also navigating the assumptions about the behavior of electrons in relation to their potential energy.

brandon26
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When two electrons move away from each other, does the potential energy of the system increase or decrease?
 
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What work have you done? What is the potential energy of two electrons separated by a certain distance?
 
No, this is a question where numerial values are given. I thought that the totla potential energy stays the same because they both move off in different directions
 
brandon26 said:
No, this is a question where numerial values are given.
I don't understand, what are you saying "no" to?

brandon26 said:
I thought that the totla potential energy stays the same because they both move off in different directions

Why do you think this? Again let me ask, what is the potential energy of two electrons separated by a certain distance? How does it change with the distance?
 
In this case the potential energy of the system is given by k(-e)(-e)/r where r is the distance between the axes. As the two electrons move away from each other , the 'r' increases and thus the P.E decreases , because the system will always prefer to have minimum PE , therefore two electrons SHOULD remain away from each other.That is why the two electrons repel each other.

BJ
 
HINT: If the sum of the kinetic and potential energy is a constant and the kinetic energy increases what happens to the potential energy?
 

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