Work required to move particles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the work required to move charged particles in an electrostatic system. Specifically, it addresses two scenarios involving three particles with charges q1 = +10 µC, q2 = -20 µC, and q3 = +35 µC arranged in an isosceles triangle. The work done by an external agent to exchange the positions of q1 and q3, as well as q1 and q2, is determined using the formula W = (kq1q2)/r, where k is Coulomb's constant. The key conclusion is that the work required is equal to the change in potential energy of the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and Coulomb's law
  • Familiarity with the concept of electric potential energy
  • Ability to calculate distances in geometric configurations
  • Knowledge of the formula W = (kq1q2)/r
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Coulomb's law in electrostatics
  • Learn about electric potential energy in multi-particle systems
  • Explore the concept of work done by external agents in electrostatic systems
  • Investigate the effects of particle arrangement on electrostatic potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electrostatics, as well as educators looking for examples of work and energy calculations in charged particle systems.

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Homework Statement



"Three particles with charges q1 = +10 µC, q2 = -20 µC, and q3 = +35 µC are positioned at the vertices of an isosceles triangle as shown in the figure. a = 12 cm and b = 6.0 cm.

(a) How much work must an external agent do to exchange the positions of q1 and q3?

(b) How much work must an external agent do to exchange the positions of q1 and q2, instead?"

Figure: http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/webassign.jpg/

Homework Equations



W=(kq1q2)/r

The Attempt at a Solution



I know (or think) that you have to sum up the work required. I know how to do this when the problem says that the particles are taken from infinity to some given position, but I don't know how to calculate the work required to move them from the given position in the figure to the new arrangement.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Calculate the change of the potential energy of the system: it is equal to the work done by the external agent.

ehild
 

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