The discussion centers on calculating the electric potential energy (EPE) of three charges arranged in a line: q1 at (-20cm, 0), q2 at (20cm, 0), and q3 at (60cm, 0). The correct formula for electric potential energy is U = k * (q_a * q_b) / r_{ab}, where r_{ab} is the distance between charges a and b. The initial attempts used an incorrect formula and misidentified r as the position rather than the distance between charges. Adjusting these parameters will yield the correct potential energy calculation.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying electrostatics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding electric potential energy in multi-charge systems.
It looks like you have additional information to provide such as the charges of q1,q2, q3 also your equation for electric potential energy is incorrect should be:alicemunro said:Homework Statement
A positive charge, q1 is at (-20cm,0). An equal and opposite charge q2 is at (20cm, 0). A positive charge q3, equal to q1, is placed at (60cm,0). What is the potential energy of the three charges??
Homework Equations
EPE= kq / r
The Attempt at a Solution
EPE = k( (5 X 10^-9)/.2) + (5 X 10^-6)/.6) - (5 X 10^-6)/.2))
= wrong answer