Electric potential energy of two equal charges q separated by r is U = k q^2 / r. If q = 1 μC and r = 0.5 m, compute U.

Study for the Praxis Physics Exam with interactive questions and detailed explanations to enhance your understanding of physics concepts. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

Electric potential energy of two equal charges q separated by r is U = k q^2 / r. If q = 1 μC and r = 0.5 m, compute U.

Explanation:
Electric potential energy between two point charges is given by U = k q1 q2 / r. When the charges are equal, this simplifies to U = k q^2 / r. Use k ≈ 8.99 × 10^9 N·m^2/C^2, q = 1 μC = 1 × 10^-6 C, and r = 0.5 m. Compute: q^2 = (1 × 10^-6 C)^2 = 1 × 10^-12 C^2. Then U = (8.99 × 10^9) × (1 × 10^-12) / 0.5 = (8.99 × 10^-3) / 0.5 = 0.01798 J ≈ 0.018 J. So the energy is about 0.018 joules.

Electric potential energy between two point charges is given by U = k q1 q2 / r. When the charges are equal, this simplifies to U = k q^2 / r. Use k ≈ 8.99 × 10^9 N·m^2/C^2, q = 1 μC = 1 × 10^-6 C, and r = 0.5 m.

Compute: q^2 = (1 × 10^-6 C)^2 = 1 × 10^-12 C^2. Then U = (8.99 × 10^9) × (1 × 10^-12) / 0.5 = (8.99 × 10^-3) / 0.5 = 0.01798 J ≈ 0.018 J.

So the energy is about 0.018 joules.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy