Question Detail
Question
When a positive charge is moved in an electrostatic field from a point at high potential to a low potential, its kinetic energy
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
When a positive charge moves from a region of high electric potential to a region of low electric potential, the electric potential energy (U = qV) of the charge decreases (since q is positive and V decreases). According to the principle of conservation of energy (if only conservative forces are at play), a decrease in potential energy corresponds to an increase in kinetic energy. This means the electric field does positive work on the charge, speeding it up.
Hint
Consider the relationship between potential energy, kinetic energy, and work done by the electrostatic field when a positive charge moves from high to low potential.