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  1. AP Physics 2 Revised
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What is Electric Potential Energy?

Work done by an external force to bring charges from infinitely far apart to their current positions.

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What is Electric Potential Energy?

Work done by an external force to bring charges from infinitely far apart to their current positions.

Define UEU_EUE​ in the context of Electric Potential Energy.

Electric potential energy, measured in Joules (J).

Define q1q_1q1​ and q2q_2q2​ in the context of Electric Potential Energy.

The charges of the two objects, measured in Coulombs (C).

Define rrr in the context of Electric Potential Energy.

The distance between the charges, measured in meters (m).

Define kkk in the context of Electric Potential Energy.

Coulomb's constant (8.99imes1098.99 imes 10^98.99imes109 N⋅m²/C²).

Define ε0\varepsilon_0ε0​ in the context of Electric Potential Energy.

Permittivity of free space constant (8.85imes10−128.85 imes 10^{-12}8.85imes10−12 C²/N⋅m²).

What is the effect of increasing the magnitude of charges on electric potential energy?

Increases the electric potential energy.

What is the effect of decreasing the distance between charges on electric potential energy?

Increases the electric potential energy.

What is the effect of moving a +q charge from (0,a) to infinity?

The change in potential energy is W=kq2a(12−1)W = \frac{kq^2}{a}(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} - 1)W=akq2​(2​1​−1).

What is the relationship between Electric Potential Energy and Electric Potential (Voltage)?

Electric Potential Energy: Energy a charge has due to its position in an electric field. | Electric Potential: Voltage; UE=qVU_E = qVUE​=qV.

Compare positive and negative electric potential energy.

Positive Potential Energy: Requires work to bring like charges together. | Negative Potential Energy: Requires work to separate unlike charges.