A. Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80 ? C , are placed at the vert

Question

A. Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80?C , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.300m . What is the electric potential energy U of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.) Use ?0 = 8.85 A. Three equal point charges, each with charge 1.80?C , are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose sides are of length 0.300m . What is the electric potential energy U of the system? (Take as zero the potential energy of the three charges when they are infinitely far apart.) Use ?0 = 8.85

Explanation / Answer

The electric potential energy U of the system
relative to infinity is:

Note: k = (1 / 4pi *epsilon)

k=9*10^9
q=1.8*10^-6 C
r=0.3 m

P = P12 + P13 + P23

As potential is same since the charge is same,

P12 = P23 = P13 = kq^2 / r

P = 3*(k*q^2/r)
P = (3*9*10^9*(1.8*10^-6)^2)/(0.3) = 0.2916 joules

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