Question

A point charge q1 is held stationary at the origin. A second charge q2 is placed at point a, and the electric potential energy of the pair of charges is +5.4×10−8J. When the second charge is moved to point b, the electric force on the charge does −1.9×10−8J of work.
What is the electric potential energy of the pair of charges when the second charge is at point b?

Answer 1

The electric potential energy of the pair of charges when the second charge is at point b is 7.3 x 10⁻⁸ J.

Electric potential energy

When work is done on a positive test charge to move it from one location to another, potential energy increases and electric potential increases.

The electric potential energy between the charges when the second charge is at point b is calculated as follows;

ΔU = -w

Ui - Uf = w

Uf = Ui - w

where;

Uf is the final potential energy

Ui is the initial potential energy

w is the work done by the force

Uf = 5.4 x 10⁻⁸ J - (-1.9 x 10⁻⁸J)

Uf = 5.4 x 10⁻⁸ J + 1.9 x 10⁻⁸ J

Uf = 7.3 x 10⁻⁸ J

Thus, the electric potential energy of the pair of charges when the second charge is at point b is 7.3 x 10⁻⁸ J.

Learn more about electric potential energy here: brainly.com/question/14306881

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