Finding electrostatic potential energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating electrostatic potential energy using the equations PE = -Fdcos(theta), PE = -(qE)dcos(theta), and PE = -pdcos(theta). Participants explore the concept of potential energy in relation to charge interactions, emphasizing that negative charges move to higher potential energy states. The conclusion drawn is that two adjacent charges generate greater potential energy than a single charge, highlighting the significance of charge configuration in electrostatics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic forces and potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with Coulomb's Law and electric fields
  • Knowledge of dipole moments and their significance in electrostatics
  • Basic proficiency in trigonometric functions as they relate to physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Coulomb's Law in electrostatics
  • Learn about electric field lines and their relationship to potential energy
  • Explore the concept of dipole moments in more detail
  • Investigate the implications of charge configurations on potential energy in multi-charge systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of potential energy concepts in electric fields.

chiddler
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations


PE = -Fdcos(theta)
PE = -(qE)dcos(theta)
PE= -pdcos(theta) or PE = - pd since all the angles here are nice.
where p is dipole

The Attempt at a Solution



:(

beyond trying to find what looks like the answer, I'm not sure

many thanks!
 
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hi chiddler! :smile:

hint: which ones do you think would feel most "springy" if you tried to push them together? :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi chiddler! :smile:

hint: which ones do you think would feel most "springy" if you tried to push them together? :wink:

hey and thanks for the response!

that's a nice way to put it. C is clearly the most springy.

Now I'm trying to translate this concept to generating electrostatic potential energy. The reason there exists this potential energy, besides the obvious repulsion, is that negative charges spontaneously move up in potential. So...the potential at the negative charge can be considered most negative and to move up is to move away.

and two adjacent charges produce more potential than one.

well that was easy...
 

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