Calculating electrical potential energy

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the electric potential energy of three equal point charges arranged in an equilateral triangle, the relevant equations include Coulomb's Law and the formula for electric potential energy. The user has drawn a diagram and analyzed the forces acting on the charges but is uncertain about how to proceed with the calculations. They are particularly confused about setting one charge's potential energy to zero and how to relate the distance between charges to their potential energy. Clarification is sought on the potential energy of two equal charges separated by a distance. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problem accurately.
Gavinofree
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Homework Statement



Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.60μC , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.600m . What is the electric potential energy U of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.)

Homework Equations



W = ΔU, Coulomb's Law, U_elec = qV

The Attempt at a Solution



I've drawn a diagram of the equilateral triangle with the 3 point charges. I then proceeded to adding in the force vectors appropriate to the force exerted upon each of the individual charges. I found through this process that the charge at one of the corners undergoes a vertical downwards motion when vectors are added.

The complication here is that I'm not sure how to go about this. Is it correct to set one charge where the electric potential energy is 0 and since it is 0.600m apart, this equates to the electric potential? I'm confused at the moment and would greatly appreciate it if anyone could help me out.
 
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What is the potential energy of two equal charges q separated by distance d?
 

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