What is the potential energy of a system of two point charges +q and -q separate

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Question: What is the potential energy of a system of two point charges +q and -q separated by a distance r?

Options:

Correct Answer: -kq²/r

Solution:

The potential energy U of a system of two point charges is given by U = k(q1q2)/r = -kq²/r for +q and -q.

What is the potential energy of a system of two point charges +q and -q separated by a distance r?

What is the potential energy of a system of two point charges +q and -q separated by a distance r?

Step 1: Identify the two point charges in the system. We have a positive charge +q and a negative charge -q.
Step 2: Determine the distance between the two charges. This distance is given as r.
Step 3: Recall the formula for the potential energy U of two point charges, which is U = k(q1 * q2) / r, where k is the Coulomb's constant.
Step 4: Substitute the values of the charges into the formula. Here, q1 = +q and q2 = -q.
Step 5: Calculate the product of the charges: (+q) * (-q) = -q².
Step 6: Substitute this product back into the potential energy formula: U = k(-q²) / r.
Step 7: Simplify the expression to get the final result: U = -kq² / r.

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