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three identical particles of mass m=5.3 grams and charge q =3.3 microcoulombs ar

ID: 2259654 • Letter: T

Question

three identical particles of mass m=5.3 grams and charge q =3.3 microcoulombs are assembled from infinity to form an equilateral triangle with sides of length d = 8.4cm. Let W be the work to assemble the triangle of charges by the following method. Charge A is first nailed down. Charge B is then moved from infinity and nailed down at a distance d from charge A. finally, charge C is moved from infinity and nailed down to the apex of the triangle. What is the total work against the repulsive forces to assemble the triangle in units of Joules?  

Explanation / Answer

W=(U2-U1)

U1=0

U2=Uab+Uac+Ubc=3*q^2/(4*pi*epsilon*d) [here 1/(4*pi*epsilon)= 8.989*e9 N*m2/C2

W=U2=8.989*e9*(3*3.3^2*e-12)/.084=3.496 Joules