What is the potential energy of this group of charges?

[neilson18]

Homework Statement

Three electrons form an equilateral triangle 0.800 nm on each side. A proton is at the center of the triangle.

Homework Equations

U = k[(q_1*q_2)/r]

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried to use the following equation:

k*[(3e^2)/(0.8*10^-9) - (3e^2)/(0.4*10^-9)]

I plugged in 1.602*10^-19 for both e-values, and got the following answer:

-6.4*10^-19 Volts

However, it says that "I do not have the correct dimensions." I'm not sure what that error means or what I did wrong, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[gneill]

There's no question in your problem statement... thread titles don't really count as part of the problem statement.

"Dimensions" refer to the units associated with your answer. What are the units of potential energy, as opposed to electric potential?

 

[neilson18]

There's no question in your problem statement... thread titles don't really count as part of the problem statement.

"Dimensions" refer to the units associated with your answer. What are the units of potential energy, as opposed to electric potential?

Oh my goodness what a dumb mistake! thank you!