If two point charges are brought closer together, what happens to the electric p

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Question: If two point charges are brought closer together, what happens to the electric potential energy of the system?

Options:

Correct Answer: Increases

Solution:

The electric potential energy increases as the charges are brought closer together if they are of the same sign.

If two point charges are brought closer together, what happens to the electric potential energy of the system?

If two point charges are brought closer together, what happens to the electric potential energy of the system?

Step 1: Understand that point charges can be positive or negative.
Step 2: Remember that like charges (both positive or both negative) repel each other.
Step 3: Know that when like charges are brought closer together, they require more energy to stay apart due to the repulsion.
Step 4: Realize that this increase in energy is reflected in the electric potential energy of the system.
Step 5: Conclude that the electric potential energy increases when two like charges are brought closer together.

Electric Potential Energy – The energy stored in a system of charges due to their positions relative to each other.
Coulomb's Law – The principle that describes the force between two point charges and how it relates to their potential energy.
Sign of Charges – Understanding that like charges repel and unlike charges attract, affecting the potential energy as they move closer.