Question

Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.65 μC , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.650 m . 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.)

Answer 1

U = 0.113 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrostatic potential energy of two charges at some distance is given as

`U = (kq_1q_2)/(r)`

since there are three charges on the vertices of the triangle

so here total potential energy is given as

`U_(net) = 3(kq_1q_2)/(r)`

`U_[net} = 3(((9* 10^9)((1.65 \mu C)(1.65 \mu C))/(0.650))`

`U_(net) = 3(0.038 J)`

`U_(net) = 0.113 J`

So electrostatic total energy is 0.113 J