Consider the following charge configuration: Three equal, positive charges +q are positioned at the three corners of a square (with side length a). 1. If you would like to bring in a fourth charge +q from infinity to place it on the fourth corner, how much work do you need to do? 2. How much work does it take to assemble the whole configuration of four charges?

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**Charge Configuration Problem**

Consider the following charge configuration: Three equal, positive charges \(+q\) are positioned at the three corners of a square (with side length \(a\)).

1. If you would like to bring in a fourth charge \(+q\) from infinity to place it on the fourth corner, how much work do you need to do?

2. How much work does it take to assemble the whole configuration of four charges?

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**Explanation:** 

- This problem involves understanding the work required to bring a charge into an existing electric field.
- The arrangement forms a square with equal charges, implying symmetrical forces acting on each charge.
- Concepts involved: electric potential energy, superposition principle, Coulomb's law, and calculation of work done in the presence of electric fields.
Transcribed Image Text:**Charge Configuration Problem** Consider the following charge configuration: Three equal, positive charges \(+q\) are positioned at the three corners of a square (with side length \(a\)). 1. If you would like to bring in a fourth charge \(+q\) from infinity to place it on the fourth corner, how much work do you need to do? 2. How much work does it take to assemble the whole configuration of four charges? --- **Explanation:** - This problem involves understanding the work required to bring a charge into an existing electric field. - The arrangement forms a square with equal charges, implying symmetrical forces acting on each charge. - Concepts involved: electric potential energy, superposition principle, Coulomb's law, and calculation of work done in the presence of electric fields.
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