Two charges particles each having equal charges `2 xx 10^(-5) C` are brought from infinity to within a separation of 10 cm. Calculate the increase in potential energy during the process and the work required for this purpose.

Explanation

`Delta U = U_(f) - U_(i) = U_(f) - 0 = U_(f)`
We have to simply calculate the electrostatic potential energy of the given system of charges
`Delta U = U_(f) = (1)/(4pi epsilon_(0))(q_(1)q_(2))/(r )`
`= (9 xx 10^(9) xx 2 xx 10^(-5) xx 2 xx 10^(-5) xx 100)/(10) J = 36 J`
work required = 36J.