Physics

Problem

Two identical point charges

+4\,\mu \text{C}

are fixed on the

x

-axis at

x = 0

and

x = 0.80\,\text{m}

. A

-2\,\mu \text{C}

charge can be placed at one of three locations on the axis: point A at

x = 0.20\,\text{m}

, point B at

x = 0.40\,\text{m}

, or point C at

x = 1.20\,\text{m}

. Ignoring any other interactions, at which location would the total electric potential energy of the three-charge system be the smallest (most negative)? a) Point B b) Point C c) Point A d) The total potential energy would be the same at all three points.

Browse the problem library