Question

Calculate the potential energy of a +1.0μC point charge sitting 0.1m from a -5.0μC point charge.

Answer 1

P.E. = -0.449 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Potential energy of a charge particle in any electrostatic field is defined as the amount of work done ( in negative ) to bring that charge particle from any position to a new position r.

Now Potential energy is defined by this formula,

P.E. = k q₁ q₂/ r

where P.E. is the potential energy.

k = 1/( 4πε₀) = 8.99 × 10⁹ C²/ ( Nm²)

q₁ = charge of one particle = +1.0μC

q₂ = charge of another particle = -5.0μC

r = distance = 0.1 m

Now , P.E. = 8.99 × 10⁹C²/ ( Nm²) * ( -5.0 × 10⁻⁶ C ) × ( 1 × 10⁻⁶ C ) / 0.1 m

P.E. = -0.449 J