Three charges are placed as follows along the x- and y-axes of an xy-coordinate system: q₁ = 2.00 μC at x₁ = 0 m, q₂ = 4.00 μC at x₂ = 3.00 m, and q₃ = 6.00 μC at y = 4.00 m. What is the electric potential energy of this system of charges?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric potential energy of the system of charges is given by the formula:

U = k(q1*q2/r12 + q1*q3/r13 + q2*q3/r23)

where k is the Coulomb constant (9.0 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2), q1 to q3 are the charges, and r12 to r23 are the distances between the charges.

Substituting the given values:

U = (9.0 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00 μC)(4.00 μC)/(3.00 m) + (9.0 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(2.00 μC)(6.00 μC)/(4.00 m) + (9.0 x 10^9 N*m^2/C^2)(4.00 μC)(6.00 μC)/(5.00 m)

U = 94.2 mJ

Therefore, the best choice is B, 94.2 mJ.

Three Charges Are Placed as Follows Along the X- and Y-Axes