What is the potential energy of the pair?

AI Thread Summary
The potential energy of the pair of charges, Q1 = +5.00 nC and Q2 = -3.00 nC, separated by 35.0 cm, is calculated to be U = -3.85 x 10^-7 Nm, indicating an attractive interaction due to the negative sign. The significance of the negative value suggests that work must be done to separate the charges to a large distance. The electric potential at the midpoint between the charges is calculated to be approximately 102.611 V. This positive potential indicates that the system has the capacity to do work on a positive test charge placed at that point. Overall, the calculations highlight the nature of electrostatic interactions between opposite charges.
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Can someone check this for me?

Two point charges, Q1 = + 5.00 nC and Q2 = -3.00 nC, are separated by 35.0 cm. (a) What is the potential energy of the pair? What is the significance of the algebraic sign of your answer? (b) What is the electric potential at a point midway between the charges?

(a)
U = ke * (5*10-9) * (-3*10-9) / .35
U = -3.85*10-7 Nm
I have no idea what the significance of the algebraic sign is.

(b)
V1 + V2 = ke/.175 * (5-3)*10-9
V1 + V2 = 102.611
 
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Seems correct- ve sign shows that the electrostatic potential energy of the system is negative so the interaction force is that of attraction and to make energy i.e. to separate the two charges to very large distance we have to supply the energy or we have to do work.
 

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