The question says:
A proton is released from rest in a region of space with a nonzero electric field. As the proton moves, does the electric potential energy of the system increase, decrease, or stay the same? Explain
Through trial and error I know that it decreases ;)
I just dont know why??
help?
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i dont know if this is correct.. but i remember him saying in class that if a charge is placed in an electric field it will always move in a way it decreases it's electric potential. I just kinda imagine it plays along with the idea that if something ( ie: charge) has potential energy, it will always want to head to a more stable (less potential energy state). That is my reasoning. dont know if it is correct
ReplyDeleteThat is exactly correct Cheryl. Things always want to go to the lowest energy possible. In order to increase the potential energy of the system work must be done. Objects fall towards the Earth because the gravitational potential energy becomes less and less the closer you get to the center of the Earth.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of ELECTRON being released, does the electric potential energy of the system decrease as well?
ReplyDeleteThanks