Question

Three equal 1.60-μCμC point charges are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle with sides 0.800 mm long. What is the potential energy of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.) Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Answer 1

Answer:

= 0.086J

Explanation:

we are given three equal charges q₁ q₂ q₃ = 1.60 μC

sides of triangle = 0.800m

U = 1/4πε₀(3q²/r)

1/4πε₀ = 9.0 × 10⁹ N.m²/C²

U = 9.0 × 10⁹ ((3 * 1.60 × 10⁻⁶)² / (0.800))

= 0.086J