Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80 ? C , are placed at the vertice

Question

Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80?C , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.550m . What is the electric potential energy U of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.) Use ?0 = 8.85 Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80?C , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.550m . What is the electric potential energy U of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.) Use ?0 = 8.85

Explanation / Answer

The electric potential energy U of the system
relative to infinity is:

Note about eo:
k=1/(4*pi*eo) approx.

k=9*10^9
q=1.8*10^-6 C
r=0.7 m

U = U12+U13+U23

U = 3*(k*q^2/r)

U = (3*9*10^9*(1.8*10^-6)^2)/(0.55) = 0.159 joules

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