What is the potential energy of this group of charges?

  • #1
neilson18
4
0

Homework Statement


Three electrons form an equilateral triangle 0.800 nm on each side. A proton is at the center of the triangle.

Homework Equations


U = k[(q_1*q_2)/r]

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to use the following equation:

k*[(3e^2)/(0.8*10^-9) - (3e^2)/(0.4*10^-9)]

I plugged in 1.602*10^-19 for both e-values, and got the following answer:

-6.4*10^-19 Volts

However, it says that "I do not have the correct dimensions." I'm not sure what that error means or what I did wrong, so any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
There's no question in your problem statement... thread titles don't really count as part of the problem statement. :smile:

"Dimensions" refer to the units associated with your answer. What are the units of potential energy, as opposed to electric potential?
 
  • #3
gneill said:
There's no question in your problem statement... thread titles don't really count as part of the problem statement. :smile:

"Dimensions" refer to the units associated with your answer. What are the units of potential energy, as opposed to electric potential?

Oh my goodness what a dumb mistake! thank you!
 
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