Question

A system consisting of a positively-charged particle and an electric field

a. loses potential difference and kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
b. loses electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
loses kinetic energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
d. gains electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field.
e. gains potential difference and electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field

Answer 1

A positively-charged particle moving in the direction of the electric field loses electric potential energy and gains kinetic energy due to the work done by the electric field, illustrating the conservation of mechanical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a positively-charged particle moves in the direction of the electric field, it loses electric potential energy and gains kinetic energy. This is because the work done by the electric field on the charged particle converts electric potential energy into kinetic energy, in a process similar to an object falling in a gravitational field. The conversion of energy types adheres to the principle of conservation of mechanical enersgy, which states that the sum of kinetic and potential energy in the system remains constant if no external forces do work on the system.

In summary, option (b) is correct which says the system loses electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the electric field. As the charged particle accelerates under the influence of the electric field, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases proportionally to keep the mechanical energy of the system constant.