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MHT CET 2026 (19 Apr, Shift 2) · Electrostatic Potential Energy

Electrostatic Potential Energy question from MHT CET 2026 (19 Apr, Shift 2)

Q8MHT CET 2026 · 19 APR · SHIFT 2Medium

Electrostatic Potential Energy

Two equal positive charges each of value 'q' are placed at points A and B, where $AB = 3x$ . A third charge $-3q$ is placed at point C at a distance $x$ from A on AB. The potential energy of the system is nearly ( $\epsilon_0$ = permittivity of free space)

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Answer: (d)

$AB = 3x$ , $AC = x$ , $CB = 2x$ .
$U = k\left[\dfrac{q^2}{3x} - \dfrac{3q^2}{x} - \dfrac{3q^2}{2x}\right] = \dfrac{kq^2}{x}\left(\dfrac13 - 3 - \dfrac32\right)$
$U = -4.17\dfrac{kq^2}{x} \approx \dfrac{-4q^2}{4\pi\epsilon_0 x}$
So the answer is (d).

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