Final answer:
In two-particle systems with interacting particles, like-charged systems have higher, positive potential energies due to the work required to overcome repulsion, unlike systems with particles of opposing charges, which possess negative potential energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Potential Energy in Two-Particle Systems
The concept of potential energy in two-particle systems is an important aspect of physics. When considering a system of particles that are close enough to interact, the following points are true about their potential energy:
Systems comprising particles with like charges have higher potential energies than those with particles bearing opposing charges. This is because like charges repel each other, and work must be done to bring them closer, increasing the system's potential energy.
A system containing particles with like charges does not have a negative potential energy. Instead, it has a positive potential energy due to the repulsive nature of same charges.
Zero potential energy in a system typically refers to a state wherein particles are at a position where no interactions occur, often at infinite separation. It is not the case for a system with like charges that are close enough to interact.
Thus, the correct statement is that systems with like charges (assuming they are close enough to interact) have higher potential energies, which are positive, not negative or zero.