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The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is
- a)Zero
- b)Infinity
- c)Non zero finite
- d)None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)...
Potential Energy of a System with One Point Charge
- Definition of Potential Energy: Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration in a system.
- Potential Energy of a Point Charge: In the case of a system containing only one point charge, the potential energy of the system is considered to be zero.
- Explanation: When there is only one point charge in a system, there is no other charge or external force interacting with it to create potential energy. Therefore, the potential energy of a single point charge is considered to be zero.
This is why the correct answer is A: Zero.
Most Upvoted Answer
The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)...
Explanation:
Potential energy is the energy possessed by a system due to the positions of its constituents. In the case of a system containing only one point charge, there is no other charge present to interact with it. Hence, the potential energy of such a system is zero.
To understand this concept, let us consider the formula for the potential energy of a system of two point charges:
U = kq1q2/r
where U is the potential energy, k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two point charges, and r is the distance between them.
When we have only one point charge in the system, q1 or q2 becomes zero. If we consider q1 to be zero, then the formula becomes:
U = kq1q2/r = 0
Therefore, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero.
In summary, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero because there is no other charge present to interact with it.
Potential energy is the energy possessed by a system due to the positions of its constituents. In the case of a system containing only one point charge, there is no other charge present to interact with it. Hence, the potential energy of such a system is zero.
To understand this concept, let us consider the formula for the potential energy of a system of two point charges:
U = kq1q2/r
where U is the potential energy, k is the Coulomb constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the two point charges, and r is the distance between them.
When we have only one point charge in the system, q1 or q2 becomes zero. If we consider q1 to be zero, then the formula becomes:
U = kq1q2/r = 0
Therefore, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero.
In summary, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero because there is no other charge present to interact with it.
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Community Answer
The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)...
Explanation:
Potential energy is defined as the work done by an external force in bringing a system from infinity to its position. Hence, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is given by -
U = qV
where, q is the charge of the point charge and V is the potential at its position.
Now, let's consider the two cases -
Case 1: When the point charge is at infinity
At infinity, the potential is zero as the electric field due to a point charge decreases as we move away from it. Hence, the potential energy of the system containing only one point charge at infinity is zero.
U = qV = q x 0 = 0
Case 2: When the point charge is at a finite distance from infinity
In this case, the potential energy of the system will be non-zero finite as the potential at the position of the point charge will be non-zero.
U = qV ≠ 0
Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is option 'A' i.e. zero as the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero when the point charge is at infinity.
Potential energy is defined as the work done by an external force in bringing a system from infinity to its position. Hence, the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is given by -
U = qV
where, q is the charge of the point charge and V is the potential at its position.
Now, let's consider the two cases -
Case 1: When the point charge is at infinity
At infinity, the potential is zero as the electric field due to a point charge decreases as we move away from it. Hence, the potential energy of the system containing only one point charge at infinity is zero.
U = qV = q x 0 = 0
Case 2: When the point charge is at a finite distance from infinity
In this case, the potential energy of the system will be non-zero finite as the potential at the position of the point charge will be non-zero.
U = qV ≠ 0
Conclusion:
Hence, the correct answer is option 'A' i.e. zero as the potential energy of a system containing only one point charge is zero when the point charge is at infinity.
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The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)Zerob)Infinityc)Non zero finited)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for Class 12 2025 is part of Class 12 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 12 exam syllabus. Information about The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)Zerob)Infinityc)Non zero finited)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Class 12 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The potential energy of a system containing only one point charge isa)Zerob)Infinityc)Non zero finited)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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