Q8CQ - College Physics (Urone)

Question

Will a negative charge, initially at rest, move toward higher or lower potential? Explain why.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The negative charge will go towards the higher potential.

Step 1: Definition of electric force

If any charge q placed in an electric field E, then the force experienced by the charge q will be:

\(\overrightarrow F  = q\overrightarrow E \)

 

where q is the positive charge.

In this case the direction of the force and electric field is same, from higher to lower potential.

Step 2: Direction of the negative charge

Now, if any negative charge is placed in an electric field E, then the force will be opposite to the electric field. So, the charge will go to the higher potential.