Which direction will a positive charge move if it is placed in the electric field surrounding a proton? Which direction will a positive charge move if it is placed in the electric field surrounding an electron?

protons are positively charged

so it would repel

electrons are negatively charged
so it would attract

To determine the direction in which a positive charge will move when placed in the electric field, we need to consider the nature of an electric field.

An electric field is a region around a charged particle where other charged particles experience a force. The force experienced by a charged particle in an electric field is dependent on the charge of the particle and the direction of the electric field.

1. Electric Field around a Proton:
A proton has a positive charge. When a positive charge is placed in the electric field surrounding a proton, it will experience a force due to the electric field. Since like charges repel each other, the positive charge will be repelled by the proton. Therefore, the positive charge will move away from the proton in a direction opposite to the electric field.

2. Electric Field around an Electron:
An electron has a negative charge. When a positive charge is placed in the electric field surrounding an electron, it will experience a force due to the electric field. Opposite charges attract each other, so the positive charge will be attracted towards the electron. Therefore, the positive charge will move towards the electron in the direction of the electric field.

In summary:
- A positive charge will move away from a proton, in the direction opposite to the electric field.
- A positive charge will move towards an electron, in the direction of the electric field.