Potential energy of the system increase or decrease?

AI Thread Summary
When two electrons move apart, the potential energy of the system decreases due to the increase in distance, represented by the formula k(-e)(-e)/r. As 'r' increases, the potential energy decreases because the system seeks to minimize potential energy. The repulsion between the two electrons is a result of this decrease in potential energy. Additionally, if the total energy remains constant, an increase in kinetic energy corresponds to a decrease in potential energy. Thus, the dynamics of electron separation illustrate fundamental principles of electrostatics and energy conservation.
brandon26
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When two electrons move away from each other, does the potential energy of the system increase or decrease?
 
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What work have you done? What is the potential energy of two electrons separated by a certain distance?
 
No, this is a question where numerial values are given. I thought that the totla potential energy stays the same because they both move off in differnt directions
 
brandon26 said:
No, this is a question where numerial values are given.
I don't understand, what are you saying "no" to?

brandon26 said:
I thought that the totla potential energy stays the same because they both move off in differnt directions

Why do you think this? Again let me ask, what is the potential energy of two electrons separated by a certain distance? How does it change with the distance?
 
In this case the potential energy of the system is given by k(-e)(-e)/r where r is the distance between the axes. As the two electrons move away from each other , the 'r' increases and thus the P.E decreases , because the system will always prefer to have minimum PE , therefore two electrons SHOULD remain away from each other.That is why the two electrons repel each other.

BJ
 
HINT: If the sum of the kinetic and potential energy is a constant and the kinetic energy increases what happens to the potential energy?
 

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