Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Electrostatic Potential and Capacitance

Question:

In the figure, an a-particle moves a distance $l$ in a uniform electric field $\vec E$ as shown. Does the Electric Field do a positive or a negative work on the a-particle? Does the electric potential energy of the a-particle increase or decrease?

Options:

Negative, increases

Positive, decreases

Negative, decreases

Positive, increases

Correct Answer:

Negative, increases

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → Positive, increases

$\vec{E}$ is to the right, displacement of $\alpha$ is to the left

$\text{Force on } \alpha\ (q>0) \text{ is along } \vec{E}$

$\text{Force opposite to displacement}$

$W = \vec{F}\cdot \vec{s} < 0$

$\text{Work done by electric field is negative}$

$\Delta U = -W > 0$

$\text{Potential energy increases}$

Work is negative and potential energy increases.