Question

Three charged particles are initially in position-1. They are free to move and they come to position-2, after some time. Let $ {{U}_{1}} $ and $ {{U}_{2}} $ be the electrostatic potential energies in position-1 and 2 then

• A. $ {{U}_{1}}={{U}_{2}} $
• B. $ {{U}_{2}}\ge {{U}_{1}} $
• C. $ {{U}_{2}}>{{U}_{1}} $
• D. $ {{U}_{1}}>{{U}_{2}} $

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The system of particles when left to themselves tend to move towards position where their potential energy is minimum. Therefore, $ {{U}_{2}}<{{U}_{1}} $ or $ {{U}_{1}}>{{U}_{2}} $ .