The graph in the figure shows the variation of the electric potential V(x) (in arbitrary units) as a function of the position x (also in arbitrary units). Which of the choices below correctly describes the orientation of the x-component of the electric field along the x-axis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric field is given by the negative slope of the electric potential. From x = -2 to x = 0, the electric potential is decreasing (negative slope), which means that the electric field is pointing in the positive x-direction (towards x = 2). From x = 0 to x = 2, the electric potential is increasing (positive slope), which means that the electric field is pointing in the negative x-direction (towards x = 0). Therefore, Ex is positive from x = -2 to x = 0, and negative from x = 0 to x = 2.

The Graph in the Figure Shows the Variation of the Electric