A point charge is surrounded symmetrically by six identical charges at distance `r` as shown in the figure How much work is done by the froces of electrostatic repulsion when the point charge at the centre is removed to infinity ?

Options

A. zero
B. `(6Q)/(4pi epsilon_(0)r)`
C. `(6Q)/(4pi epsilon_(0)r^(2))`
D. `(6Q^(2))/(4pi epsilon_(0)r)`

Answer

D

Explanation

The potential of the point charge due to individual charges are identical, the resualtant potential of the
point charge is `6U` or `(6Q^(2))/(4pi epsilon_(0)r)`. Hence , the work done on moving the point charge to infinity is `(6Q^(2))/(4pi epsilon_(0)r)`.