Electricity and potential energy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating electric potential and potential energy for a system of two point charges, specifically focusing on the relationship between the charges and their separation distance.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the electric potential at a midpoint between two charges and expresses confusion regarding the calculation of potential energy. Some participants discuss the formula for potential energy and question whether the distance should be squared.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the correct formula for potential energy and clarifying the role of distance in the calculation. There is a recognition of differing interpretations regarding the formula, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has provided specific values for the charges and their separation, but there may be assumptions about the context of the problem that are not fully articulated.

wadini
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Two point charges of magnitude 5.21 nC and -2.24 nC are separated by 29.6 cm. The columb content is 8.98755*10 ^9 N*m^2/C^2. What is the electric potential at a point midway between the charges? Answer in untis of V

I got the answer for this part= 180.36 V

The second part of the question asks what is the potential energy of the pair of charges? Answer in units of N*m. That is where I am confused
 
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Potential energy of the system = k*q1*q2/d
 
Last edited:
I don't think you square d. I think it is just d. It doesn't make sense if I want to get it in units of N*m
 
Yes. You are right.
 

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