Did I Calculate Electric Potential Energy Correctly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential energy (EPE) between two point charges, A nC and -B nC, separated by D meters. The user applied the equations for electric potential difference (V1 and V2) and subsequently calculated EPE for each charge, concluding that the total potential energy is negative due to the negative charge. The user expressed concern about potentially overlooking gravitational potential energy in the calculation. Ultimately, the problem was canceled by the professor due to a grading error, but the user's calculations were deemed correct.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Coulomb's Law and the Coulomb constant (k = 9x10^9 N*m^2/C^2)
  • Knowledge of electric potential difference and its calculation
  • Familiarity with electric potential energy equations
  • Basic concepts of gravitational potential energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of Coulomb's Law and its applications in electrostatics
  • Study the derivation and implications of electric potential energy equations
  • Learn about gravitational potential energy and its relevance in physics problems
  • Explore common errors in calculating potential energy in electrostatic systems
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Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, educators teaching electric potential concepts, and anyone preparing for exams involving electric and gravitational potential energy calculations.

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I did all I can, and I'm stressed out over this. Thus, here I am. :(

Here's the question (I substitute the numbers with alphabet letters):

>Two point charges of magnitude of A nC and -B nC are separated by D m distance.
>The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2. The Coulomb constant, k, is 9x10^9 N*m^2/C^2.
>What is the potential energy of the PAIR of charges? Answer in units of J.

So, what I did was find the potential difference, V, between the 2 charges, q1 and q2, at their respective points which has the distance of D using the equation:

V1 = (k*q1)/D
V2 = (k*q2)/D

Then find the electric potential energy(EPE) for each charge with the equation:

EPE1 = V1 * q2
EPE2 = V2 * q1

*(EPE1 and EPE2 are basically the same number)

And the total potential energy of the 2 charges is:

EPE(net) = EPE1 + EPE2

Answer is negative because q2 is -B which has negative value x 10^-9

If anyone spot any error or have any idea of what I did wrong, please do tell. Perhaps, I missed a step of taking acceleration of gravity into account somewhere? Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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You have calculated the electrical potential energy, but what about gravitational potential energy?
 
I've just now received an email from my professor that this problem was canceled due to computer grading error. I believe what I did as correct though. Thanks for all the help :)
 

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