A positively charged particle is released from rest in a uniform electric field. The electric potential energy of charge
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Decreases because charge moves along the electric field
The force on a positive charge is \( \vec{F} = q\vec{E} \), in the direction of the field, so a charge released from rest starts moving along the field. The field does positive work on it, and the work done by the field equals the decrease in potential energy.
\( \Delta U = -W_{\mathrm{field}} = -qEd \lt 0 \)
The lost potential energy appears as kinetic energy, so the total energy \( U+K \) stays constant while U itself decreases.