SUMMARY
The electric potential energy (Ep) of a proton located 20.0 Å from another proton is calculated using the formula Ep = kQ1Q2/r. In this case, with k being Coulomb's constant (9 x 10^9 N m²/C²), and the charge of a proton (1.60 x 10^-19 C), the potential energy is determined to be 1.152 x 10^-19 J. The discussion emphasizes the efficiency of using the potential energy formula directly rather than deriving it from the force equation.
PREREQUISITES
- Coulomb's Law
- Understanding of electric potential energy
- Basic algebra for manipulating equations
- Knowledge of SI units, particularly in electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
- Study the derivation of Coulomb's Law and its applications
- Learn about electric fields and their relationship to potential energy
- Explore the concept of electric potential and its calculations
- Investigate the implications of electric potential energy in atomic and molecular physics
USEFUL FOR
Students in physics, particularly those studying electrostatics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electric potential energy and its calculations.