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Question
Three charges A, B and C, which were initially at infinite separation from each other, are brought together slowly by an external agent to form an equilateral triangle ABC. The experiment is repeated twice such that in the first case B is brought first under the influence of A followed by C. In the second case C is brought firstunder the influence of A followed by B. Work done by external agent is greater in the first case.
Three charges A, B and C, which were initially at infinite separation from each other, are brought together slowly by an external agent to form an equilateral triangle ABC. The experiment is repeated twice such that in the first case B is brought first under the influence of A followed by C. In the second case C is brought firstunder the influence of A followed by B. Work done by external agent is greater in the first case.
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Solution
The correct option is B False
The potential energy of a system depends on the work done by an external agent in creating the system. By ‘creating the system’ we mean to bring charges from infinity to the present configuration (without acceleration). Bringing one charge before another doesn’t create any difference in the net work done in making the overall system, as the final configuration is same. Two systems with the same final configuration of charges will have exactly the same potential energy and thus it doesn’t matter in what preference the charges were brought in each system.
The potential energy of a system depends on the work done by an external agent in creating the system. By ‘creating the system’ we mean to bring charges from infinity to the present configuration (without acceleration). Bringing one charge before another doesn’t create any difference in the net work done in making the overall system, as the final configuration is same. Two systems with the same final configuration of charges will have exactly the same potential energy and thus it doesn’t matter in what preference the charges were brought in each system.
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