What is the potential energy of this group of electron charges?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the potential energy of a system consisting of three electrons arranged in an equilateral triangle with a proton at the center. The potential energy formula used is U = kq1q2/r, where the charges of the electrons and the proton are considered. The user is confused about how to incorporate the charges correctly, particularly regarding the value for e, and has calculated the distance from the proton to the electrons as 0.635 nm. They are attempting to account for both electron-electron and proton-electron interactions in their calculations. Clarification on the charge values and proper substitutions in the potential energy equation is needed.
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Homework Statement


Three electrons form an equilateral triangle 1.10 nm on each side. A proton is at the center of the triangle.
What is the potential energy of this group of charges?



Homework Equations



potential energy = U = kq1q2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I was assuming that the three electrons, since they form an equilateral triangle, their charges will cancel out and I should just find the potential energy based on the positive charge.

so then I substituted q1 for the proton, but then since there is a q2, i also tried to use the charge of an electron.

also, I found the radius from the center proton of the triangle to the corner electron of the triangle to be 0.635 m

I'm just not sure what to do anymore I only have a few attempts left
 
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I found the radius from the center proton of the triangle to the corner electron of the triangle to be 0.635 m
?? meter ??
I will take it as 0.635 nm.:rolleyes:

potential energy of the system=k[\frac{3e^2}{1.10X10^-9}-\frac{3e^2}{0.635X10^-9}]

We can make three electron-electron pairs and three proton-electron pairs.
 
Last edited:
Google_Spider said:
?? meter ??
I will take it as 0.635 nm.:rolleyes:

potential energy of the system=k[\frac{3e^2}{1.10X10^-9}-\frac{3e^2}{0.635X10^-9}]

We can make three electron-electron pairs and three proton-electron pairs.



So what am I supposed to plug in for e? +1, -1 ??
 
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