Two point charges are located as shown in the figure, with charge q1 = +3.2 C at x = − 3.0 m, y = 0, and charge q2 = +2.5 C at x = +1.0 m, y = +2.0 m. An electron is now taken from a point very far away and placed at the origin. How much work must be done on the electron to move it to the origin?

Question

Two point charges are located as shown in the figure, with charge q1 = +3.2 C at x = − 3.0 m, y = 0, and charge q2 = +2.5 C at x = +1.0 m, y = +2.0 m. An electron is now taken from a point very far away and placed at the origin. How much work must be done on the electron to move it to the origin?
1 J

bobpursley · Answer

Find the potential at the center, by adding the contributions from each charge. Then, work equal Ve