Two identical point charges are fixed on the -axis at and
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Two identical point charges +4μC are fixed on the x-axis at x=0 and x=0.80m. A −2μC charge can be placed at one of three locations on the axis: point A at x=0.20m, point B at x=0.40m, or point C at x=1.20m. Ignoring any other interactions, at which location would the total electric potential energy of the three-charge system be the smallest (most negative)?
(a) Point B
(b) Point C
(c) Point A
(d) The total potential energy would be the same at all three points.