Question

For two unlike charges (q₁q₂ < 0), what is the physical meaning of the negative mutual Coulombic interaction energy?

पर्याय

• The force is attractive and the system releases energy as charges come together

• The force between the charges is repulsive

• The system is unstable and will repel the charges

• No force exists between the charges

Answer 1

When q1 and q2 are unlike charges, their product q1q2 is negative, making the Coulombic interaction energy negative. This negative energy indicates an attractive interaction, and the system naturally tends to lower its energy as the charges come closer together, releasing energy in the process.