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KCET · Physics · Electrostatics

The charges \(+q\) and \(+q\) are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side If the net electrostatic potential energy of the system is zero, then is equal to

  1. A \(-\frac{q}{2}\)
  2. B \(-q\)
  3. C \(\frac{+q}{2}\)
  4. D Zero
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(A) \(-\frac{q}{2}\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Potential energy of the system
\(\mathrm{U}=\frac{\mathrm{KQq}}{1}+\frac{\mathrm{Kq}^{2}}{1}+\frac{\mathrm{KqQ}}{1}=0 \)
\( \Rightarrow \frac{\mathrm{Kq}}{1}(\mathrm{Q}+\mathrm{q}+\mathrm{Q}) =0 \)
\( \Rightarrow \mathrm{Q} =-\frac{\mathrm{q}}{2}\)