Two identical spheres, each with a charge of +5μC, are placed 1 meter apart. What is the potential energy of the system?

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Q: Two identical spheres, each with a charge of +5μC, are placed 1 meter apart. What is the potential energy of the system?

Solution: Potential energy U = k * q1 * q2 / r = (9 × 10^9 N m²/C²) * (5 × 10^-6 C)² / 1 m = 0.225 J.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Identify the charges of the spheres. Each sphere has a charge of +5μC (microcoulombs).
Step 2: Convert the charge from microcoulombs to coulombs. +5μC = 5 × 10^-6 C.
Step 3: Identify the distance between the spheres. The distance (r) is 1 meter.
Step 4: Use the formula for potential energy (U) between two point charges: U = k * q1 * q2 / r.
Step 5: Identify the constant k, which is Coulomb's constant: k = 9 × 10^9 N m²/C².
Step 6: Substitute the values into the formula: U = (9 × 10^9 N m²/C²) * (5 × 10^-6 C) * (5 × 10^-6 C) / 1 m.
Step 7: Calculate the potential energy: U = (9 × 10^9) * (25 × 10^-12) = 0.225 J.