Charged Particles (Potential Energy)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the electric potential energy of pairs of charged particles, specifically how to rank them based on their potential energy and the effect of increasing separation on that energy.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the ranking of pairs of charged particles based on their potential energy and question the correctness of their calculations. There is an exploration of how changes in separation affect potential energy.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in checking each other's reasoning and calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the ranking and the effects of separation, but there is no explicit consensus on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

There is a focus on ensuring the use of the relevant equation for potential energy, and participants are reflecting on their assumptions and interpretations of the problem setup.

kilnvzol
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Homework Statement


Figure 24-21 shows four pairs of charged particles with identical separations. (a) Rank the pairs according to their electric potential energy (that is, the energy of the two-particle system), greatest (most positive) first. (b) For each pair, if the separation between the particles is increased,does the potential energy of the pair increase or decrease?
image102120141236.png

Homework Equations


U = W = (kq1q2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


For part a, I got the ranking 3,2,4,1 by subtracting the second particle from the first one. ie. (1) -2-(+6) = -8
For part b, I got 1,4 increase whereas 2,3 decrease from the equation.
I haven't gotten the answers to these but I want to make sure I'm right.
Thank you! :oldbiggrin:
 
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kilnvzol said:

Homework Statement


Figure 24-21 shows four pairs of charged particles with identical separations. (a) Rank the pairs according to their electric potential energy (that is, the energy of the two-particle system), greatest (most positive) first. (b) For each pair, if the separation between the particles is increased,does the potential energy of the pair increase or decrease?
image102120141236.png

Homework Equations


U = W = (kq1q2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution


For part a, I got the ranking 3,2,4,1 by subtracting the second particle from the first one. ie. (1) -2-(+6) = -8
For part b, I got 1,4 increase whereas 2,3 decrease from the equation.
I haven't gotten the answers to these but I want to make sure I'm right.
Thank you! :oldbiggrin:
Not correct.

Did you use the relevant equation ?
 
SammyS said:
Not correct.

Did you use the relevant equation ?
Would this be right?
a. 3=4>2=1
b. 3&4 decrease 1&2 increase
 
kilnvzol said:
Would this be right?
a. 3=4>2=1
b. 3&4 decrease 1&2 increase
That looks to be correct .
 
SammyS said:
That looks to be correct .
Thank you!
 

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