Three negative charges of equal magnitudes are positioned along the x-axis at x

Question

Three negative charges of equal magnitudes are positioned along the x-axis at x = -a, x=0, and x = +a respectively. The charge located at x=0 is moved away along the y-axis to a position (x,y) = (0, +a). How does the potential energy of the system of charges change as a result? Answer The potential energy may increase or decrease depending on the magnitude of the charges. The potential energy decreases. The potential energy stays the same. The potential energy increases. More information is needed to answer the question.

Explanation / Answer

By moving the center charge up along the y-axis a distance "a" ,you have increased the distance between it and the other two charges. This will decrease the overall potential energy of the group. Since the tendency of the group is to fly apart, the further apart they are the less PE they have.

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