Question

an electron is released from rest in a region of space with a nonzero electric field.1. As the electron moves, does the electric potential energy of the system increase, decrease, or stay the same?a. increaseb. decreasec. stay the same2. Choose the best explanation from among the following:a. As the electron begins to move, its kinetic energy increases. The increase in kinetic energy is equal to the decrease in the electric potential energy of the system.b. Because the electron has a negative charge its electric potential energy doesn't decrease, as one might expect, but increases instead.c. The electron will move perpendicular to the electric field, and hence its electric potential energy will remain the same.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. a. increase

2. Because the electron has a negative charge its electric potential energy does not decrease as one might expect, but increases instead.

Explanation:

Lets first consider the relation between the electric field and electric potential.

E = -ΔV/Δs

As this equation indicates that the electric field is due to the change in potential and change in the the position of charge. Electric field is directed towards the decreasing potential and the electron moves in the opposite direction of the electric field  where potential increases. Thats why the best explanation is that the electron has a negative charge it moves towards the positive region where the electric potential energy increases.