Question

Consider the interaction of two particles of opposite signs. Initially, they are not interacting with one another at all. When the particles approach one another and begin to interact with one another, what happens to the potential energy of the system?

a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Remains constant
d) Becomes zero

Answer 1

When two particles of opposite signs interact, the potential energy of the system decreases as the attractive force between the particles dominates over the repulsive force.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two particles of opposite signs approach each other and begin to interact, the potential energy of the system decreases. This is because the attractive force between the particles dominates over the repulsive force, causing the potential energy to decrease. As the particles move closer together, the potential energy reaches its lowest point. If the particles are brought even closer, a repulsive force between the positively charged nuclei starts to dominate, resulting in an increase in potential energy.