If the test charge were moved closer to the source charge, would the change in its potential energy be positive, negative or zero? Explain.
We need to know the sign of the source charge as well as of the charge. If they are both of the same sign, you have to push them together and the potential energy goes UP.
If they are of opposite signs, they will pull toward each other and potential energy will go DOWN.
To determine whether the change in potential energy of the test charge would be positive, negative, or zero when it is moved closer to the source charge, we need to understand the concept of electric potential energy.
The electric potential energy is the potential energy associated with the interaction between two charges. It is determined by the relative positions of the charges and their magnitudes. The formula for electric potential energy is:
PE = k * (q1 * q2) / r
Where:
PE is the electric potential energy
k is the electrostatic constant
q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the charges
r is the distance between the charges
In this case, we are considering the test charge being moved closer to the source charge. By decreasing the distance (r) between the charges, we can analyze the change in potential energy.
When the distance between the charges decreases, the denominator "r" gets smaller, which leads to an increase in the overall value of the electric potential energy. This relationship can be seen directly from the formula.
Therefore, as the test charge is moved closer to the source charge, the change in potential energy will be positive. The potential energy will increase, indicating that work is being done to bring the test charge closer to the source charge.