Concept explainers
What is the significance of the sign of the potential energy in each case?
Answer to Problem 12Q
Solution:
In case of like charges work must be done to move the charges together
Explanation of Solution
We have potential energy between two charges,
In first case charges are unlike, so if we substitute in PE equation we will get , in second case charges are like, when substitute in PE equation we will get .
In case of unlike charges work must be done to separate them, in case of like charges work must be done to move the charges together. This is the significance of the sign of the potential energy.
Chapter 17 Solutions
Physics: Principles with Applications
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
The Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals (2nd Edition)
An Introduction to Thermal Physics
College Physics
Cosmic Perspective Fundamentals
Tutorials in Introductory Physics
Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON