Potential Due To A System Of Charges

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The work required to separate two charges from an initial distance 'r' to an infinite distance is equal to the change in the electrostatic potential energy of the system. This work is the negative of the initial potential energy of the system, as the final potential energy at infinite separation is zero.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Calculate the initial distance (r) between the charges.
2. Calculate the initial potential energy (U ) of the two-charge system using the formula:
3. The work done (W) to separate the charges to infinity is given by:
Since the final potential energy at infinite separation (U ) is 0, the work done is:

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given:
Charge
Charge
Position of is (-6 cm, 0, 0).
Position of is (6 cm, 0, 0).
First, find the initial distance 'r' between the charges:
Next, calculate the initial potential energy U :
The work required to separate the charges to infinity is:

Step 4: Final Answer:
The amount of work required is 0.9 J.