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Three electrons are aligned on a straight line and separations between them are

ID: 2150061 • Letter: T

Question

Three electrons are aligned on a straight line and separations between them are 1.0 mm. Outer two electrons are fixed in position. (14 points)

a. What is the electric potential at the position of the center electron?
b. What it the electric potential energy of the center electron?
c. What is the electric potential energy of this system of three electrons?
d. Is the center electron at a point of stable or unstable equilibrium?
e. If the center electron is displaced horizontally by a small distance, what will its speed be when it is very far away?

Explanation / Answer

a)Since potential is a scalar, Potential =kq/r=-2.88*10-6V

b)Potential energy=Vq=4.608*10-25J

c)Potential energy of a side electron=kq2/r=2.5*that found in b)=1.152*10-5J

d)Stable equilibrium since the force opposing motion to one side increases when it is moved to that side.

e) I would need a figure for this