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The potential energy of a system of two equal negative point charges of 2 μC each, held 1 m apart in air, is ______. (k=9×10⁹ SI unit)

Asked in GUJCET 2009 · Energy of a system of charges

Answer: (2) 3.6×10⁻² J

Step-by-step solution

Given: q₁=q₂=-2 μC=-2×10⁻⁶ C, r=1 m, k=9×10⁹ SI units.

Idea: U=(kq₁q₂)/r, keeping the signs of the charges.

q₁q₂=(-2×10⁻⁶)(-2×10⁻⁶)=+4×10⁻¹² C² — two negatives give a positive product.

U=(9×10⁹×4×10⁻¹²)/1=36×10⁻³ J.

U=3.6×10⁻² J, positive because like charges repel.

Why the other options are wrong

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