Which of the following statements are true?

(A) The potential energy for a system of two negative point charges is negative
(B) Electrostatic force is a conservative force
(C) Negative potential energy between two charges implies that the force between them is repulsive
(D) Electrostatic potential energy is a scalar quantity

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (1) → (B) and (D) only

Analysis:

(A) ❌ False: For two like charges (both negative or both positive), the potential energy is positive since the force is repulsive and work must be done to bring them closer.

(B) ✅ True: Electrostatic force is conservative because the work done is path-independent and depends only on the initial and final positions.

(C) ❌ False: Negative potential energy implies the force is attractive, not repulsive.

(D) ✅ True: Electrostatic potential energy is a scalar quantity, as it has magnitude but no direction.

Correct statements: (B) and (D)