Two equal positive charges are held in place at a fixed distance. If you put a third positive charge midway between these two charges, its electrical potential energy of the system (relative to infinity) is zero because the electrical forces on the third charge due to the two fixed charges just balance each other.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrical potential energy of the system is not zero because potential energy depends on the configuration of the charges, not on the forces. The forces may balance, but the potential energy is determined by the positions and magnitudes of the charges.

Two Equal Positive Charges Are Held in Place at a Fixed