(c) Does the potential energy of the two particles increase or decrease when the distance is increased to 1.0 nm?

Key Concepts

Potential Energy in Physics

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a force field, such as gravitational or electrostatic fields. In the context of particles, the potential energy between two charged particles is influenced by their distance; as they move further apart, the potential energy typically changes based on the nature of their charges.

Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's Law describes the electrostatic interaction between charged particles. It states that the force between two charges is directly proportional to the product of their charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This relationship implies that as the distance increases, the potential energy associated with the interaction changes, depending on whether the charges are like or unlike.

Work and Energy Relationship

The relationship between work and energy is fundamental in physics, where work done on a system can change its energy state. When two particles are separated, work is done against the electrostatic force, which can either increase or decrease the potential energy depending on the nature of the forces involved. Understanding this relationship helps in predicting how energy changes as particles move apart.