3 Equal Charges in Equilateral Triangle - Find KE @ Inf

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving three equal charges arranged in an equilateral triangle and calculating their kinetic energy as they move to infinity. The user is struggling with the integral of force (F) over distance (ds) and questions why their approach isn't yielding the correct results. They provide their equations and calculations, noting the use of the cosine of 30 degrees and the relationship between dr and ds. The user seeks clarification on the correct interpretation of the distance variables in their integral setup. The thread highlights the complexity of applying integral calculus to this electrostatic scenario.
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Homework Statement



Question is attached.

I know there's a few ways to solve this, but I'm wondering specifically why my integral of F ds isn't working.

Homework Equations



F = k * q^2 / r^2
U = ∫ F ds
cos 30 = √3/2
s= rcos30

The Attempt at a Solution



U = 2 * cos 30 * k * q^2 ∫ 1/r^2 ds
U = √3 * k * q^2 ∫ 1/r^2 * √3/2 dr - (a to inf)
U = 3/2 * k * q^2 * 1/a
 

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Any help would be appreciated. No one seems to be able to help me.
 
I assume your model is to let all three move apart some small amount, symmetrically. dr will be the increase in distance between any pair, while ds is the distance each moves. If so, I get dr = ds √3, which does not seem to be what you have used.
 
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