Electric fields & potential energy - please help

Why do you not double the answer when finding the electric potential energy between two protons in this example:

Calculate the electrostatic potential energy of two protons at a distance of 1x10-15m apart.

I used V=Q/4 Pi Eo r
And then W = Q/V

With Q as 1.6x10^-19
R as 1x10-15

Which gave the correct answer 2.3 x 10^-13J

But i then doubled it and got it wrong,
My reasoning was because there were two protons

Why would it be wrong to double the answer? And do you always only consider one particle? What would happen if it was one proton and one electron but the same question

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Help with (AQA) Thermal Physics / Electric Fields A-Level question?
Electric Fields Help
AQA A Level Physics Paper 2 7408/2 - 10 Jun 2022 [Exam Chat]
Edexcel GCSE Physics Paper 2 Higher Tier Triple 1PH0 2H - 16th June 2023 [Exam Chat]
electricity mcq plz help
career guidance
Aiming an Oscilloscope Beam
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy - Physics Paper 1 (Higher) 8464/P/1H [Exam Chat]
A-level Physics Study Group 2022-2023
Electric Fields Question
How do I find the electric potential and field strength between two point charges?
Edexcel A Level Physics Paper 3: 9PH0 03 - 15th June 2023 [Exam Chat]
HELP!!! Isaac physics. Essential Pre-Uni Physics H9.7
what is Q in E=kQ/r^(2)
Physics A G482 EWP Unofficial mark Scheme
Answering Questions: What can a BEng in General Engineering lead to?
Dr Kathy Romer answers your questions about Physics!
edexcel physics alevel question
Electricity is mindboggling
Describe how sodium conducts thermal energy. (3 marks) GCSE AQA

Latest

Articles for you

What's the difference between university halls and private halls?

What will you spend your money on at university?

Student survival guide: electricity and gas bills

Edexcel A-Level Economics Paper 1 - Unofficial Mark Scheme - 18 May 2023