Question

When a positive charge is released and moves along an electric field line: it moves to a position of lower electric potential and lower kinetic energy
true or false

Answer 1

Hi there!

False.

Imagine if we released a positive charge between two parallel charged plates (one negative, and the other positive).

Since like charge repels, the positive charge would be repelled by the positive plate and would move towards negative plate, as opposite charge attracts.

The Electric potential of the POSITIVE charge increases as you move closer to the positive plate, with the potential decreasing as you move closer to the negative plate. Since the positive charge will accelerate towards the negative plate, it is LOSING electric potential energy.

As it loses electric potential energy, due to the conservation of energy, it must GAIN kinetic energy. There is work being done on the positive charge due to the potential difference between the plates, which increases its kinetic energy.

Therefore, the given statement is false.