Question

An electric potential at x = 0 cm is 300 V, -100 V at x = 5 cm, and varies linearly with x. If a positive charge is released from rest at x = 2.5 cm, and only affected by the electric force, the charge will…

Answer 1

The charge will move to the right.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electric potential is defined as the work per unit of charge necessary to move a charge from a point to another one.

Electric charges move to different zones of ponential depending on their charge: negative charges move from lower to higher potentials. Positive charges move from higher to lower potentials.

Since the highest potential is at x=0 (left) and lowest at x=5 (right) and the charge is positive, it will move to the right.

Answer 2

Moves to the right

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

- Right side @ x = 5 cm is at - 100 V

- Left side @ x = 0 cm is at 300 V

- Charge is placed @ x = 2.5 cm

Find:

- The direction of motion of + charge when released from its position.

Solution:

- We know that Electric field is always perpendicular to equi-potential lines. Hence it points out from the left side towards the right hand side. So the Electric field at the point of charge @ x = 2.5 cm, is directed towards the right that would also be the direction of motion of the positive charge.