PHYSICS · Subjective · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Electric Force Field and Potential · Electric Force Field and Potential
Problem
Four identical point charges, each of magnitude q=+2.5μC, are placed at the four vertices of a regular tetrahedron of edge 15cm kept in vacuum.
(a) Enumerate the distinct charge pairs and determine the total electrical potential energy of the configuration.
(b) A fifth charge Q=−3.0μC is now slowly brought from infinity and placed at the geometric centre of the tetrahedron. Calculate the additional work required for this step.
(c) Obtain the final total electrical potential energy of the five-charge system and comment briefly on its sign.