Two identical particles, each with charge q, are placed on the x axis, one at the origin and the other at x = 5 cm. A third particle, with charge -q, is placed on the x axis so the potential energy of the three-particle system is the same as the potential energy at infinite separation. Its x coordinate is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy of the three-particle system is the same as the potential energy at infinite separation when the third particle is placed at the midpoint between the first two particles.

Two Identical Particles, Each with Charge Q, Are Placed on the X