Three particles lie on the x axis: particle 1, with a charge of 1 * 10^-8 C is at x = 1 cm, particle 2, with a charge of 2 * 10^-8 C, is at x = 2 cm, and particle 3, with a charge of -3 * 10^-8 C, is at x = 3 cm.The potential energy of this arrangement, relative to the potential energy for infinite separation, is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy (U) of a system of charges is given by the formula $U = k \frac{q_1 q_2}{r}$, where $k$ is Coulomb's constant ($9 \times 10^9 \, \text{Nm}^2/\text{C}^2$), $q_1$ and $q_2$ are the charges, and $r$ is the distance between them. For multiple charges, the total potential energy is the sum of the potential energies of each pair of charges. Given the charges and their positions, the potential energy can be calculated for each pair and then summed. The charges have opposite signs, leading to a negative total potential energy, which matches choice B.

Three Particles Lie on the X Axis: Particle 1, with a Charge