PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance
Problem
A point charge q1=+1.5μC is fixed in place. A second point charge q2=−3.0μC is located 25cm away along a straight line. The region is vacuum, and the zero of electric potential energy is defined for infinite separation.
Assume both charges remain fixed while the following processes occur.
(a) Calculate the electric potential energy of the two–charge system at the initial 25cm separation.
(b) An external agent slowly moves charge q2 to a new position such that the separation is 75cm while keeping both charges on the same line. Determine the work done by the external agent during this process and state whether that work is positive, negative, or zero.
(c) Interpret the sign of the work you found in part (b) in terms of how the electric interaction between the two charges either assists or opposes the motion imposed by the agent.