PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
A point charge q1=+5.0μC is fixed at a point in space. A second point charge q2=−5.0μC is placed along the same line at a distance r from q1 such that the electric potential energy of the pair is −1.125J. Take k=8.99×109Nm2C−2.
Answer the following.
(a) Calculate the required separation distance r. Show all steps leading to your answer and include proper units.
(b) Determine the amount of work that must be done by an external agent to move q2 from the calculated position back to an infinite separation. State whether the external work is positive, negative, or zero, and justify your reasoning.