Question

Charges $q_1$ and $q_2$, 1C each are at infinite distance from each other initially. They are then brought to 1m distance in vacuum. What was the initial potential energy of the system?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D. None of these.

Answer 1

The correct option is D None of these.

Reference point i.e. the point of zero potential can be defined at any separation. So it is not an absolute thing to take infinity as reference. Since no reference is given, we cannot answer. Now if we had been asked what the change in PE was, we'd have an answer.