Electrostatics not on the same axis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in electrostatics, specifically dealing with the interaction of charges that are not aligned on the same axis. The original poster expresses confusion regarding how to approach the problem due to the different angles involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between work and electric potential energy, with some questioning how to calculate potential energy for different configurations of charges. There is also a discussion about the correct formula for potential energy versus electric force.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between work and electric potential energy, while others are clarifying the correct approach to calculating potential energy in the context of multiple charges. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, although no consensus has been reached on the next steps.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions difficulty due to the charges not being on the same axis, which may imply geometric considerations that are not fully addressed in the discussion. Additionally, there is a note that the provided link to the problem statement was initially broken, which could affect the clarity of the discussion.

Jabababa
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The link doesn't work :(
 
try now i think i attached the picture on it!
 
Do you know the relation between work and electric potential energy?
 
Work = the change in electric potential energy? Is that what you are referring to?
 
Work = the change in electric potential energy? Is that what you are referring to?

Yes.
Can you work out the potential energy for the 2 configurations?
 
yes I have

kq1q2/0.6^2 Epi
kq1q2/0.4^2 Epf

then what should I do
 
Jabababa said:
yes I have

kq1q2/0.6^2 Epi
kq1q2/0.4^2 Epf

then what should I do

This is the electric force, not the potential energy.
The PE varies as 1/r, not 1/r2

Also, there are 2 fixed charges - you've only accounted for 1 of them.
 

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