In bringing an electron towards the second electron, the electrostatic potential energy of the system
Correct answer: B. increases
- A. Decreases
- B. increases
- C. remains the same
- D. becomes zero
Explanation
The potential energy of two charges is U = kq1q2/r. For two electrons, q1q2 is positive, so reducing their separation r makes U increase. The likely choice is a, because students may think that repulsion means the potential energy decreases when the particles are brought closer.
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About Electric Potential
Electric potential is the work done per unit positive charge in bringing it from infinity to a point, while potential difference compares energy change between two points. Work includes potential due to point charges, superposition of scalar potentials, equipotential surfaces, and the relation between electric field and potential.
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