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? |
Negative, increases Positive, decreases Negative, decreases Positive, increases |
Negative, increases |
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. |