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 )