# Electrical Potential Energy

rbraunberger

## Homework Statement

Two point charges Q1 = 3.3 µC and Q2 = 7.6 µC are initially very far apart. They are then brought together, with a final separation of 2.6 m. How much work does it take to bring them together?

## Homework Equations

$$\Delta$$PE = ( k Q1 Q2 ) / r

Work = - $$\Delta$$PE

k= 8.99 e 9

## The Attempt at a Solution

PE final = k Q1 Q2 / r
= (8.99e9)(3.3e-6)(7.6e-6) / ( 2.6m)
= 0.0868 J

PE initial = k Q1 Q2 / r
with r initial being infinitely large PE initial is basically 0

so $$\Delta$$PE = 0.0868 + 0
Work = - $$\Delta$$PE = -0.0868

What is the error in this? Thank you!

Last edited:

Homework Helper
Is the separation 2.6 m or 2.8 m? And do not forget the unit of work!

ehild

rbraunberger
It was 2.6m....I fixed it. I found that the answer was just 0.0868 not -0.0868. My teacher said the equation was Work = -$$\Delta$$PE, but I found it some place else that shows it as just Work = $$\Delta$$PE. Which is correct?

Homework Helper
The work needed to bring the charges together was the question. It is some external force Fe (maybe your force) that does this work. The external force is opposite and at least equal in magnitude with the Coulomb force Fe=-Fc. As the charges repel each other, the external force must push them toward the centre, so the direction of the external force is the same as the displacement: the work is positive.

ehild