Calculate The Electric Potential Energy Of The System

Electric Potential Energy Formula:

\[ PE = k \times \frac{q_1 \times q_2}{r} \]

Electric Potential Energy (PE):

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1. What is Electric Potential Energy?

Electric potential energy is the energy stored in a system of charges due to their positions relative to each other. It represents the work done to assemble the charges from infinity to their current configuration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the electric potential energy formula:

\[ PE = k \times \frac{q_1 \times q_2}{r} \]

Where:

\( PE \) — Electric potential energy (Joules)
\( k \) — Coulomb's constant (8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C²)
\( q_1, q_2 \) — Electric charges (Coulombs)
\( r \) — Distance between charges (meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the potential energy between two point charges. Like charges (both positive or both negative) result in positive potential energy (repulsive), while opposite charges result in negative potential energy (attractive).

3. Importance of Electric Potential Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating electric potential energy is essential for understanding electrostatic interactions, designing electrical systems, analyzing atomic and molecular structures, and solving problems in electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the values of both charges in Coulombs and the distance between them in meters. Ensure the distance is greater than zero. The calculator will compute the electric potential energy in Joules.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Coulomb's constant?
A: Coulomb's constant (k) is approximately 8.99 × 10⁹ N·m²/C² and represents the proportionality factor in Coulomb's law.

Q2: Can this formula be used for multiple charges?
A: This specific formula is for two point charges. For multiple charges, the total potential energy is the sum of potential energies for all pairs of charges.

Q3: What does negative potential energy mean?
A: Negative potential energy indicates an attractive force between opposite charges, meaning work would be required to separate them.

Q4: How does distance affect electric potential energy?
A: Electric potential energy is inversely proportional to distance - as distance increases, potential energy decreases (becomes less positive or less negative).

Q5: Is this formula valid for all charge distributions?
A: This formula is specifically for point charges. For continuous charge distributions, integration methods are required to calculate the total potential energy.