Question

Is it possible to have an arrangement of two point charges separated by a finite distance such that the electric potential energy of the arrangement is the same as if the two charges were infinitely far apart? Why or why not? What if there are three charges? Explain

Short answer

the electric potential is zero for two-point charges separated by an in?nite distance. If We have two point charges and the separation between them is less than zero, then the electric potential has a value greater than zero- So, the electric potential in the two cases is different.

If the three charges are equal in magnitude and the sign and are placed at the same distance, then the total electric potential

is equal to zero. So, the anSWer is 'Yes, it possible“-

Step-by-step solution

About Electric potential Energy

Electric potential energy is the energy that is needed to move a charge against an electric field. You need more energy to move a charge further in the electric field, but also more energy to move it through a stronger electric field.

Determine if the two charges are infinetly far apart

Calculation:

Solve for No point charges at infinite distance:

As equation 23.9 mention, the electric potential of Mo point charges is given by

So, the electric potential is zero for two—point charges separated by an infinite distance. If We have tWO point charges and

the separation betWeen them is less than zero, then the electric potential has a value greater than zero. So, the electric

potential in the two cases is different

Calculation:

As equation 23.9 mention, the electric potential of tWO point charges is given by

So, If the three charges are equal in magnitude and the sign and are placed at the same distance, then the total electric

potential is equal to zero- 30, the answer is 'Yes, it possible'-

Therefore

The electric potential is zero for two-point charges separated by an infinite distance. If We have two point charges and the separation betWeen them is less than zero, then the electric potential has a value greater than zero- So, the electric potential in the two cases is different.

If the three charges are equal in magnitude and the sign and are placed at the same distance, then the total electric potential

is equal to zero. So, the anSWer is 'Yes, it possible“-