i 1

23.54: a) U  2kq  d1  21d  31d     2kqd  (1i) .

2 
2

i 1

2kq 2
b)  U   ln(2)
d

c) The potential energy is the same for the negative ions—the equations are identical
if we examine (a).
d) If
2k (1.60  10 19 C) 2 ln (2)
d  2.82  10 10 m, then U    1.13  10 18 J.
2.82  10 10 m

e) The real energy (0.80  10 18 J ) is about 70% of that calculated above.