Question Detail

PHY 102 ELECTROSTATICS Objective Question

Question

According to the document, if a negative charge (q) is moved from point A to point B in the field of a positive charge (Q), and mutual attraction exists, what is the sign of the work done by 'us' (the environment) on the charge?
Options
A Positive.
Correct Answer
B Negative.
C Zero.
D Depends on the magnitude of the charges.
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The document explains, 'Let q as in Section be negative. Taking it from A to B in the field of the positive charge will be positive work done by us on the charge, as we have to force it to move away from the unlike charge.' (page 16, 'Electric Potential Energy' section).

Hint

When you have to 'force' a charge to move against an attractive force, are you doing positive or negative work?

Question Info