- #1
sisigsarap
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There is a problem I am finding quite confusing:
Two particles, with charges of 20.0 nC and -20.0nC, are placed at the points with coordinates (0,4.00cm) and (0,-4.00cm). A particle with charge 10.0 nC is lcoated at the origin. Find the electric potential energy of the configuration of the three fixed charges.
I am having difficulty understanding the last sentence. For electric potential energy I thought I would use V = 8.99*10^9(q/r) , where I would sum up each charge? For example:
V1 = 8.99*10^9(20nC/4cm) V2 = 8.99*10^9(-20nC/4cm) V3=8.99*10^9(10/0)
Then the Electric potential energy would be V1 + V2 + V3 = 0?
Or would I use U = 8.99*10^9(q1*q2)/(distance from q1 to q2)
and follow the same procedure?
I am very confused with the question and what the book refers to as potential energy and electrical potential??
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks!
Two particles, with charges of 20.0 nC and -20.0nC, are placed at the points with coordinates (0,4.00cm) and (0,-4.00cm). A particle with charge 10.0 nC is lcoated at the origin. Find the electric potential energy of the configuration of the three fixed charges.
I am having difficulty understanding the last sentence. For electric potential energy I thought I would use V = 8.99*10^9(q/r) , where I would sum up each charge? For example:
V1 = 8.99*10^9(20nC/4cm) V2 = 8.99*10^9(-20nC/4cm) V3=8.99*10^9(10/0)
Then the Electric potential energy would be V1 + V2 + V3 = 0?
Or would I use U = 8.99*10^9(q1*q2)/(distance from q1 to q2)
and follow the same procedure?
I am very confused with the question and what the book refers to as potential energy and electrical potential??
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks!