Question

A positive charge moves in the direction of an electric field. Which of the following statements are true?

a) The electric field does positive work on the charge.
b) The electric field does n do any work on the charge.
c) The potential energy associated with the charge increases.
d) The electric field does negative work on the charge.
e) The amount of work done on the charge cannot be determined without additional information.
f) The potential energy associated with the charge decreases.

Answer 1

When a positive charge moves in the direction of an electric field, the field does positive work on the charge and the potential energy associated with the charge increases.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) The electric field does positive work on the charge.

When a positive charge moves in the direction of an electric field, the field exerts a force on the charge in the same direction as its motion. The work done by the electric field on the charge is positive because the force and displacement are in the same direction. This work transfers energy to the charge, increasing its kinetic energy and potentially changing its potential energy.

c) The potential energy associated with the charge increases.

As a result of the work done by the electric field, the potential energy of the charge increases. This is because the work done on the charge changes its potential energy, which depends on the position of the charge in the electric field.