Three point charges, $q_{1}, q_{2}$, and $q_{3}$, are arranged so the potential energy for the pair $q_{1}$ and $q_{2}$ is $0.12 \mathrm{~J}$ and for the pair $\mathrm{q}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{q}_{3}$ is $0.23 \mathrm{~J}$. If the total potential energy of the arrangement is $0.60 \mathrm{~J}$, what is the potential energy of the pair $\mathrm{q}_{1}$ and $\mathrm{q}_{3}$ ?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total potential energy is the sum of the potential energies of all pairs: $0.12 \mathrm{~J} + 0.23 \mathrm{~J} + U_{13} = 0.60 \mathrm{~J}$. Solving for $U_{13}$, we get $U_{13} = 0.60 \mathrm{~J} - 0.12 \mathrm{~J} - 0.23 \mathrm{~J} = 0.25 \mathrm{~J}$.

Three Point Charges q1,q2q_{1}, q_{2}q1​,q2​ , And q3q_{3}q3​ , Are Arranged So the Potential Energy for the Pair

Three Point Charges $q_{1}, q_{2}$ , And $q_{3}$ , Are Arranged So the Potential Energy for the Pair