Question

Three charges, \( Q \), \( -q \) and \( 2q \) are placed at the vertices of a right-angled isosceles triangle. What is the value of \( q \) for the net electrostatic energy of the configuration to be zero?

• A. \( Q \left[\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}} - 1\right] \)
• B. \( Q \left[1 - \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\right] \)
• C. \( Q \left[1 + \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2}}\right] \)
• D. \( Q \left[\frac{2\sqrt{2}+1}{2}\right] \)

Hint:

For electrostatic energy of a system of charges, calculate pairwise potential energies and add them algebraically with signs of charges.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B