Question

In the figure below a given point charge is shown following five different paths through a uniform electric field. In which path is the change in potential energy for the point charge the greatest? (The electric field lines are shown in blue and the paths are show in green.)

Answer 1

Path D

Step-by-step explanation

We want to identify the path for which the change in potential energy for the point charge is greatest.

The change in potential energy of the point charge is equal to the amount of work that is done by the charge to move from its position along the path taken. This implies that the greatest change in potential energy will occur along the path that requires that the most work is done.

Work done is dependent on force and distance moved by the point charge. Hence, the farther the distance travelled by the point charge, the greater the work done in the motion.

Since path D has the longest distance, then, it is in path D that the change in potential energy for the point charge is the greatest.