When a negative charge is released and moves along an electric field line, it moves to a position of
A) lower potential and lower potential energy.
B) lower potential and higher potential energy.
C) higher potential and lower potential energy.
D) higher potential and higher potential energy.
E) decreasing magnitude of the electric field.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a negative charge is released in an electric field, it moves from a region of lower potential to a region of higher potential, which corresponds to moving to a position of lower potential energy. This is because the electric potential energy of a charge in an electric field is given by $U = qV$, where $q$ is the charge (negative in this case) and $V$ is the electric potential. As the charge moves to a higher potential (V increases), the product of $qV$ (where $q$ is negative) decreases, indicating lower potential energy.

When a Negative Charge Is Released and Moves Along an Electric