A negative charge, released from rest in an electric field, moves towards a point of
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → higher electric potential and lower potential energy
The electric field points in the direction of decreasing potential, and the force on a charge is \( \vec{F}=q\vec{E} \). For a negative charge, this force is opposite to the field. Its potential energy at a point of potential \( V \) is \( U=qV \), with \( q\lt0 \).
Option (1) higher electric potential and lower potential energy — Correct. The force pushes the charge against \( \vec{E} \), towards higher potential. The field does positive work on it, so its kinetic energy rises and its potential energy falls.
Option (2) lower electric potential and lower potential energy — Incorrect. Moving to lower potential means moving along \( \vec{E} \), but the force on a negative charge is opposite to the field.
Option (3) higher electric potential and higher potential energy — Incorrect. The charge starts from rest and gains kinetic energy. So its potential energy must decrease.
Option (4) lower electric potential and higher potential energy — Incorrect. This happens only when an external agent pushes the negative charge against the electric force. A free charge moves the other way.
NCERT (2026-27):
Example 2.3 – “… (b) A small negative charge will be attracted towards positive charge. The negative charge moves from higher potential energy to lower potential energy.”
Example 3.1 – “… (a) The direction of drift velocity of conduction electrons is opposite to the electric field direction, i.e., electrons drift in the direction of increasing potential.”