Identify the WRONG statement.

Options

A. The electrical potential energy of a system of two protons shall increase if the separation between the two is decreased
B. The electrical potential energy of a proton , electron system will increase if the separation between the two is decreased
C. The electrical potential energy of a proton electron system will increase if the separation between the two is increased
D. The electrical potential energy of system of two electrons shall increase if the separation between the two is decreased

Answer

2

Explanation

The potential energy is relative quantity , it depends on reference position. While comparing potential energy in two positions ,consider negative sign i.e., if `U_(1) = - 2 J , U_(2) = - 3 J , U_(3) = 0`
`U_(3) gt U_(1) gt U_(2)`
(1) `U prop (e^(2))/(r )` ,if `r` is decreased , `U` is increased , `O.K.`
(2) `U prop (-e^(2))/(r )` , if `r` decreased , `U` is decreased
(3) `U prop (-e^(2))/(r)` , if `r` is increased , `U` is increased , `O.K.`
(4) `U prop (e^(2))/(r)` , if `r` is decreased , `U` is increased ,`O.K.`