For each of the following processes, does the potential energy of the objects(s) increase or decrease?
a. The distance between two oppositely charged particles is increased.
b. Water is pumped from ground level to the reservoir of a water tow 30 m above the ground.
c. The bond in a chlorine molecule, Cl2, is broken to form two chlorine atoms.
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a. The potential energy of the objects decreases. As the distance between two oppositely charged particles increases, the electrostatic force between them decreases, resulting in a decrease in potential energy.
b. The potential energy of the water increases. As the water is pumped from ground level to a higher elevation, it gains gravitational potential energy due to its increased height.
c. The potential energy of the chlorine atoms increases. Breaking the bond in a chlorine molecule requires energy input, resulting in an increase in potential energy for the individual chlorine atoms.
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