Two positively charged particles are first brought close together and then released. Once released, the repulsion between particles causes them to move away from each other. (a) This is an example of potential energy being converted into what form of energy?

Key Concepts

Potential Energy

Potential energy is the stored energy in a system due to its position or configuration. In the context of charged particles, potential energy arises from the electrostatic forces between them. When two like-charged particles are brought close together, they possess high potential energy due to their repulsion, which can be converted into kinetic energy when they are released.

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It is directly related to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, expressed mathematically as KE = 1/2 mv². In the scenario of the charged particles, once they are released, the potential energy they had is transformed into kinetic energy as they accelerate away from each other due to the repulsive force.

Conservation of Energy

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In this case, the potential energy associated with the electrostatic repulsion between the charged particles is converted into kinetic energy as they move apart. This principle is fundamental in understanding energy transformations in physical systems.