Question

Three point charges $2q$, $-2q$ and $q$ are kept at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side $l$. The potential energy of the system is

• A. zero
• B. $\frac{-2q^{2}}{\pi\epsilon_{0}l}$
• C. $\frac{q^{2}}{2\pi\epsilon_{0}l}$
• D. $\frac{-q^{2}}{\pi\epsilon_{0}l}$

Hint:

For multi-charge systems, always compute pairwise energies only—never treat it like a single charge system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D