decide how the sketches below would be listed, if they were listed in order of decreasing potential energy…

decide how the sketches below would be listed, if they were listed in order of decreasing potential energy. that is, select \1\ beside the sketch that shows the system with the highest potential energy, select \2\ beside the sketch that shows the system with the next highest potential energy, and so on. note for advanced students: since the units of each charge are not written, you may assume any convenient and reasonable unit, for example coulombs or multiples of e.

decide how the sketches below would be listed, if they were listed in order of decreasing potential energy. that is, select \1\ beside the sketch that shows the system with the highest potential energy, select \2\ beside the sketch that shows the system with the next highest potential energy, and so on. note for advanced students: since the units of each charge are not written, you may assume any convenient and reasonable unit, for example coulombs or multiples of e.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall potential - energy formula

$U = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r}$ (for two - charge system). Larger product of charges and smaller distance means higher potential energy.

Step2: Analyze first sketch

Product of charges $(- 2)\times(+2)=-4$.

Step3: Analyze second sketch

Product of charges $(-6)\times(+1)= - 6$. Distance is small.

Step4: Analyze third sketch

Product of charges $(+1)\times(+4)=+4$.

Step5: Analyze fourth sketch

Product of charges $(+1)\times(+2)=+2$.

Step6: Compare

Second sketch has highest magnitude of charge - product and small distance, so highest potential energy. First sketch has next highest due to charge magnitude. Third is next, and fourth has lowest.

Answer:

Second sketch: 1 First sketch: 2 Third sketch: 3 Fourth sketch: 4