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.
C) 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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a positively-charged particle moves in the direction of an electric field, it experiences a force in the opposite direction of the field. This force slows down the particle and decreases its kinetic energy. At the same time, the particle moves from a region of higher electric potential to a region of lower electric potential, losing electric potential energy. Therefore, the system loses electric potential energy when the charged particle moves in the direction of the field, which is best represented by choice B.

A System Consisting of a Positively-Charged Particle and an Electric