Potential energy of a system comprising of point charges is U₁. When a charge q is added in the system without disturbing other charges, the potential energy becomes U₂. The potential of the point where the charge q is placed in the system is
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Question

Potential energy of a system comprising of point charges is U₁. When a charge q is added in the system without disturbing other charges, the potential energy becomes U₂. The potential of the point where the charge q is placed in the system is

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G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Write electrostatic energy U = Σ kqᵢqⱼ/rᵢⱼ, and use Wext = ΔU for a quasistatic rearrangement. For moving particles, conserve K + U. Step 2: Evaluate initial and final separations/potentials. Step 3: Solve the resulting energy equation for the requested distance, speed or work. Final: Option A. In this specific setup, apply the calculation to: Potential energy of a system comprising of point charges is U₁. When a charge q is added in the system wi.