The three point charges shown are on the corners of a triangle. Q 1 and Q 2 are

Question

The three point charges shown are on the corners of a triangle. Q1 and Q2 are on the y-axis, both a distance L from the origin. Q3 is on the x-axis a distance 2L from the origin. The charges and L have values:

Q1 = 3.5 ?C,  Q2 = 3.4 ?C,  Q3 = - 8.7 ?C,   L = 0.04 m

What is the electrostatic potential energy of charge Q3 due to the interaction with Q1 and Q2?

Show all work please.

Give your results in Joules to 3 significant digits. As always, the Potential Energy of two charges is zero when they are infinitely far apart.

Your Answer:

The three point charges shown are on the corners of a triangle. Q1 and Q2 are on the y-axis, both a distance L from the origin. Q3 is on the x-axis a distance 2L from the origin. The charges and L have values: Q1 = 3.5 ?C, Q2 = 3.4 ?C, Q3 = - 8.7 ?C, L = 0.04 m What is the electrostatic potential energy of charge Q3 due to the interaction with Q1 and Q2? Show all work please. Give your results in Joules to 3 significant digits. As always, the Potential Energy of two charges is zero when they are infinitely far apart.

Explanation / Answer

distance from Q1 and Q3 = sqrt(L^2 + 2L^2) = sqrt(5) L

PE = q V = Q3*(V1 + V2) = Q3*( k Q1/(sqrt(5) L) +k Q2/(sqrt(5) L)) = -8.7E-6*(9.0E9*3.5E-6/(sqrt(5)*0.04) + 9.0E9*3.4E-6/(sqrt(5)*0.04))=-6.04 J

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.