Electric Potential/Energy question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to bring three electrons within 1.0 x 10^-10 m of each other. The user correctly applies the formula for electric potential energy (PE) using the equation Work = q(KQ/r) to determine the work done for each pair of electrons. The total work calculated is 3.4 x 10^-18 J, which is confirmed as accurate by other participants in the discussion. The calculations utilize fundamental constants such as the charge of an electron (1.6 x 10^-19 C) and Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 N m²/C²).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential energy (PE)
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's law
  • Knowledge of basic electrostatics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving scientific notation
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  • Study the principles of Coulomb's law in detail
  • Learn about electric potential energy calculations in multi-particle systems
  • Explore the concept of electric fields and their relation to potential energy
  • Investigate the implications of electron interactions in quantum mechanics
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in electrostatics and electric potential energy calculations, particularly in the context of particle interactions.

Flaming Toilet
Here's the question: "How much work must be done to bring three electrons from a great distance apart to within 1.0 x 10^-10 m from each other?"

Here's what I did :

.(work to bring one to another)

Work = PE + KE
= PE + 0
=q(V final - V initial) ; V initial = 0
=qV final
=q(KQ/r)
= (1.6 x 10^-19)((9 x 10^9 x 1.6 x 10^-19)/(1.0 x 10^-10))
= 2.3 x 10^-18 J

.(work to bring the other one)

Work = q(KQ/r)
= (1.6 x 10^-19)((9 x 10^9 x 1.6 x 10^-19)/(2 x 1.0 x 10^-10))
= 1.2 x 10^-18 J

. I then add them together to get the total work done

(2.3 x 10^-18 J) + (1.2 x 10^-18 J)
= 3.4 x 10^-18 J

Now, is that right? Feel free to correct me.
 
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I see. I'm visualizing the question as three electrons coming together in a line. Bleh, the book didn't provide a diagram. However, I think you're right. Thanks for guiding me in the right direction.
 

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