Question

At a certain point in space, there is a potential of 800 V relative to zero. What is the potential energy of the system when a +1.0 μC charge is placed at that point in space?

Answer 1

To solve this problem we will apply the concepts related to electric potential and electric potential energy. By definition we know that the electric potential is determined under the function:

`V = (k_e q)/(r)`

`k_e` = Coulomb's constant

q = Charge

r = Radius

At the same time

`U = (k_e q_1q_2)/(r)`

The values of variables are the same, then if we replace in a single equation we have this expression,

`U = Vq`

If we replace the values, we have finally that the charge is,

`V = 800V`

`q = 1\mu C`

`U = (800V)(1*10^(-6)C)`

`U = 8*10^(-4)J`

Therefore the potential energy of the system is
`8*10^(-4) J`