Two point charges are fixed apart

PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance · Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Problem

Two point charges are fixed

0.25\,\text{m}

apart. The first charge is

q_1 = +5.0\,\mu\text{C}

and the measured electric potential energy of the system is

-0.20\,\text{J}

. Which of the following must be true about the sign of the second charge

q_2

? (a)

q_2

is positive. (b) The sign of

q_2

cannot be determined from the information given. (c)

q_2

is negative. (d)

q_2

may be either sign provided its magnitude is less than that of

q_1