# Electric Potential Energy

1. May 14, 2006

### Icheb

Following exercise:
There is a one dimensional grid of infinite size and it consists of anions and cations (each with a charge of 1e / -1e) like this:

acacacac

The distance between the anions and cations is 5*10^-10m.
Now I am supposed to calculate the electrial potential energy of one cation alone. I know that, if I only have two charges, the energy would come from

$$W = 1/(4\pi \epsilon_0) * (q_1 * q_2)/r$$

But I don't understand how to calculate the energy for a grid with an infinite amount of charges. Can someone point me in the right direction please? I'm not asking for a solution, just for a small hint which will guide me in the correct direction.

Last edited: May 14, 2006
2. May 14, 2006

### finchie_88

not too sure, but if they are alternating then the electric potential energy of one of the "particles" on the left will be equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction to the one on the right, so summing the electric potential energies for all the particles, would give you zero overall... i think, that would be my logic anyway.

3. May 14, 2006

### Icheb

I don't think it's that easy, but thanks for the answer. :)

4. May 14, 2006

### Icheb

I have arrived at the following equation now:

$$\phi = k * \sum_{n=1}^{\inf} 1/n * (-1)^{n+1} * q/r$$

However, this doesn't seem to make sense to me since -1^n+1 doesn't converge. Did I make an error in my calculations or am I missing something?

5. May 14, 2006

### Icheb

Never mind, figured it out. :)