Final answer:
The potential energy of a stationary charge is converted to kinetic energy when it moves under the influence of an electric field. The work done by the field on the charge is path independent, and when the charge moves due to a potential difference, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential energy of a stationary charge changes when it starts moving under the influence of an electric field. If the charge is free to move, the force from the electric field causes it to accelerate. This results in the conversion of its potential energy to kinetic energy, similar to a mass falling under the influence of gravity. The electric potential energy is a form of energy the charge possesses due to its position in an electric field and this energy is what enables the charge to do work when it moves.
The electric field is conservative, which means that the work done to move a charge within this field from one point to another is independent of the path taken. When a charge moves through a potential difference, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy through the work done by the electric field on the charge.