Potential Energy of point charge in an external field
Potential Energy of point charge in an external field
When the potential energy of charge( s) is calculated in an external field, following things are understood:
o
The electric field, E, is produced by external sources which are fixed and may be unknown.
o The charge q does not affect these external sources. o Potential energy of the external sources is ignored.
Potential Energy of a single charge
Potential energy of a system of two charges
qV( r) q 1 V( r 1) + q 2 V( r 2) + q 1 q 2 /( 4πε 0 r 12)