Can Potential Energy Have Zero Value?

Thread starter phykeep
Start date Dec 10, 2009
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Energy Potential Potential energy Value Zero

AI Thread Summary

Potential energy in a system of point charges or continuous charge distributions can indeed be zero under specific conditions. For two charges of opposite signs, the potential energy can be calculated using the formula kq/r, where k is the electrostatic constant, q is the charge, and r is the distance between them. If the charges are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign, their potential energy can reach zero at a specific point in space. However, in a broader context, potential energy is relative and can be defined to be zero based on the chosen reference point. Understanding these principles clarifies the conditions under which potential energy can be considered zero.

Dec 10, 2009

phykeep

hi,
Can the potential energy (electro statical interaction energy) be zero of a system consisting 2 or more point charges or charges distributed on continuous masses like rings,discs etc.?
I am confused if there exists any such case..can anyone of u give clarification to this doubt?

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Dec 10, 2009

phykeep

please help someone..this doubt is eating me :-(

Dec 10, 2009

ideasrule

Homework Helper

The potential due to a charge is kq/r. What happens if you have two charges of opposite signs?

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