Two protons, each having a charge of 1.60 × 10^–19 C, are 2.0 × 10^–5 m apart. What is the electrical potential energy between the two charges?

Question

Two protons, each having a charge of 1.60 × 10^–19 C, are 2.0 × 10^–5 m apart. What is the electrical potential energy between the two charges?

Answer 1

Electric potential energy = k q₁q₂ / r = (8.99 x 10⁹) (1.60 x 10^-19)² / (2.0 x 10^-5) = 1.15 x 10^-23 Joules.