Which type of energy depends on the distance between two particles and the charge of each particle?

• A. $\text{Electrostatic potential energy}$
• B. $\text{Kinetic energy}$
• C. $\text{Magnetic energy}$
• D. $\text{Thermal energy}$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of energy listed: Electrostatic potential energy, Kinetic energy, Magnetic energy, and Thermal energy.
2. Recall that electrostatic potential energy arises from the interaction between charged particles and depends on both the magnitude of their charges and the distance between them.
3. Understand that kinetic energy depends on the motion (speed and mass) of an object, not on charge or distance between particles.
4. Recognize that magnetic energy relates to magnetic fields and magnetic forces, which are different from electrostatic interactions.
5. Thermal energy is related to the random motion of particles and temperature, not directly dependent on charge or distance between particles.