Question

The protons are brought towards each other. Will the P.E. of the system decrease or increase?

Answer 1

Definition of potential energy

The energy possessed by a body due to its position is termed as its potential energy. It is given as,

$PE=mgh$

where, $m$ is mass, $g$ is acceleration due to gravity and $h$ is height.

Explaining if P.E. of the system will increase or decrease

1. Protons are positively charged particles.
2. Therefore, when two protons are brought towards each other, they repel. (Like charges repel each other)
3. To overcome this force of repulsion, work is done by the protons.
4. This work will be stored in the form of potential energy.

Therefore, P.E. of the system will increase