hree identical positive point charges are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. If the length of each side of the triangle shrinks to one-fourth of its original length, by what factor does the electrostatic potential energy of this system change? (The electrostatic potential energy approaches zero if the length of each side of the triangle approaches infinity.)

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter20: Electric Potential And Capacitance
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 7CQ
icon
Related questions
Question

Three identical positive point charges are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. If the length of each side of the triangle shrinks to one-fourth of its original length, by what factor does the electrostatic potential energy of this system change? (The electrostatic potential energy approaches zero if the length of each side of the triangle approaches infinity.)


The electric potential is the same everywhere on the surface of a conductor. Does this mean that the surface charge density is also the same everywhere on the surface? Explain your answer.

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Parallel-plate capacitor
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:
9781133104261
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations…
Physics
ISBN:
9781133939146
Author:
Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics Volume 2
University Physics Volume 2
Physics
ISBN:
9781938168161
Author:
OpenStax
Publisher:
OpenStax