Q. Identify the wrong statement.
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.
Explanation
(c) Potential energy
$U = \frac{q_{1}q_{2}}{4\pi\varepsilon_{0}r}$
Or $U \propto \frac{1}{r}$
When $r$ decreases $U$ increases and $vice - versa$. Moreover, potential energy as well as force is positive, if there is repulsion between the particles and negative if there is attraction.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.