What is the potential energy of this group of electron charges?

In summary, the potential energy of a group of three electrons forming an equilateral triangle with a proton at the center is given by the equation U = kq1q2/r. In this scenario, we can make three electron-electron pairs and three proton-electron pairs. The radius from the center proton to the corner electron is 0.635 nm and the side length of the triangle is 1.10 nm. Thus, the potential energy can be calculated by substituting the values of q1 and q2, which represent the charges of the proton and electron, respectively.
  • #1
yo_man
12
0

Homework Statement


Three electrons form an equilateral triangle 1.10 nm on each side. A proton is at the center of the triangle.
What is the potential energy of this group of charges?



Homework Equations



potential energy = U = kq1q2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



So, I was assuming that the three electrons, since they form an equilateral triangle, their charges will cancel out and I should just find the potential energy based on the positive charge.

so then I substituted q1 for the proton, but then since there is a q2, i also tried to use the charge of an electron.

also, I found the radius from the center proton of the triangle to the corner electron of the triangle to be 0.635 m

I'm just not sure what to do anymore I only have a few attempts left
 
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  • #2
I found the radius from the center proton of the triangle to the corner electron of the triangle to be 0.635 m
?? meter ??
I will take it as 0.635 nm.:rolleyes:

potential energy of the system=[tex]k[\frac{3e^2}{1.10X10^-9}-\frac{3e^2}{0.635X10^-9}][/tex]

We can make three electron-electron pairs and three proton-electron pairs.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Google_Spider said:
?? meter ??
I will take it as 0.635 nm.:rolleyes:

potential energy of the system=[tex]k[\frac{3e^2}{1.10X10^-9}-\frac{3e^2}{0.635X10^-9}][/tex]

We can make three electron-electron pairs and three proton-electron pairs.



So what am I supposed to plug in for e? +1, -1 ??
 

FAQ: What is the potential energy of this group of electron charges?

What is potential energy?

Potential energy is the stored energy an object has due to its position, shape, or state. It is the energy that an object has the potential to convert into other forms of energy.

How is potential energy related to electron charges?

In the case of electron charges, potential energy refers to the energy that is stored in the system due to the position of the electrons in relation to one another. This energy can be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy, when the electrons move.

How is potential energy of a group of electron charges calculated?

The potential energy of a group of electron charges can be calculated using the formula: PE = kQq/r, where k is the Coulomb's constant, Q and q are the magnitudes of the charges, and r is the distance between them.

What factors affect the potential energy of a group of electron charges?

The potential energy of a group of electron charges is affected by the magnitude of the charges, the distance between them, and the medium they are in. The potential energy increases as the charges get larger and/or closer together, and decreases as the distance between them increases.

How is potential energy of electron charges used in everyday life?

Potential energy of electron charges is used in many everyday applications, such as batteries, electric motors, and generators. It is also important in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules in chemical reactions, and in the design of electronic devices.

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