Question

What is the electric potential energy of 2 charged objects q1 and q2, when they are separated by a distance r?

Answer 1

The electric potential energy U of two charged objects q1 and q2 separated by a distance r is given by the formula:
`\[U = (k \cdot q_1 \cdot q_2)/(r),\]` where k is the electrostatic constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electric potential energy is the energy associated with the relative position of charged objects in an electric field. The formula
`\(U = (k \cdot q_1 \cdot q_2)/(r)\)` calculates this potential energy, where k is Coulomb's constant
`(approximately \(8.99 * 10^9 \ \text{N m}^2/\text{C}^2\)), \(q_1\) and \(q_2\)` are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the separation distance between the charges.

The equation reflects the inverse relationship between electric potential energy and the separation distance. As the distance r increases, the potential energy U decreases, indicating that the two charged objects experience weaker interactions. Conversely, as the distance decreases, the potential energy increases, suggesting stronger interactions. This relationship aligns with the fundamental principle that the force between charges is stronger when they are closer together and weaker when they are farther apart.

In summary, the electric potential energy between two charged objects depends on the magnitudes of the charges and the separation distance between them. The formula provides a quantitative measure of the energy associated with the electrostatic interactions between the charges, offering insights into the behavior of charged particles in an electric field.