Question

Two identical point charges are fixed to diagonally opposite corners of a square that is 0.715 m on a side. Each charge is +4.0 x 10-6 C. How much work is done by the electric force as one of the charges moves to an empty corner?

Answer 1

Answer:

Work done by the electric force as one of the charges moves to an empty corner is 25.71 KJ

Explanation:

Work done on a unit positive charge = Electric field potential X distance moved by the charge.

Electric field potential = (Kq)/r²

Where;

k is coulomb's constant = 8.99 X 10⁹ Nm²/C²

q is magnitude of point charge = 4.0 x 10⁻⁶ C

r is the distance between the point charges = 0.715 m

Then, Work done on a unit positive charge =  (Kq)/r² X r

Work done on a unit positive charge = (kq)/r

Work done on a unit positive charge = (8.99 X 10⁹ X 4.0 x 10⁻⁶)/0.715

Work done on a unit positive charge = 25.71 X 10³ J = 25.71 KJ

Therefore, work done by the electric force as one of the charges moves to an empty corner is 25.71 KJ