Question

When a positively charged object moves in the same direction as the electric field, the electric potential energy of the object?

1.becomes zero
2.increases
3.decreases
4.stays the same

Answer 1

2. Increases
but you might have to double check this

Answer 2

Answer: option 2. increases

Explanation: The work done to move a charge in an electric field is given by:

U = F.d = F d cos θ

where F is the electric force between two charges and d is the distance between two charges and θ is the angle between the direction of force exerted and direction of displacement of charge.

F = q E

Where, q is the charge and E is the electric field.

⇒ U = q E d cos θ

When a positively charge object moves in an electric field in the same direction, θ = 0°, cos 0°= 1

⇒ U = q E d

As the charged object moves, d would increase. Electric field (E) and charge (q) are constant. Hence, the electric potential energy would increase.