Physics

Physics

Problem

Two identical positive charges +Q+Q are placed at two vertices of an equilateral triangle. A charge −2Q-2Q is placed at the third vertex. Which statement best describes the sign of the total electric potential energy of the three-charge system? a) It is positive because the repulsion between the two +Q+Q charges dominates the system. b) It is negative because the attractive interactions involving the −2Q-2Q charge outweigh the repulsive interaction between the two +Q+Q charges. c) It is zero because the opposite-sign charges exactly cancel the like-sign charges. d) It cannot be determined without knowing the distance between the charges or the numerical value of QQ.

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