A negative point charge, q, is placed near a positive charge, Q. The distance between the charges increases as q is moved farther from Q.
Which quantity will decrease as q is moved away?
electric potential energy
electric potential
electric potential difference
electric charge
So 100% CORRECT ANSWER IS NO.2, ELECTRIC POTENTIAL. THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION AND GOOD LUCL
To determine which quantity will decrease as q is moved away from Q, let's break down the options:
1. Electric potential energy: Electric potential energy is given by the equation U = k * (q * Q) / r, where U represents the potential energy, q and Q are the charges, r is the distance between the charges, and k is the electrostatic constant. As the distance between the charges increases, the value of r gets bigger, resulting in a decrease in the potential energy.
2. Electric potential: Electric potential, also known as voltage, is denoted by V and is defined as the electric potential energy per unit charge. It is given by the equation V = k * (Q / r), where Q is the magnitude of the charge and r is the distance from the charge. As the distance between the charges increases, the value of r gets bigger, leading to a decrease in the electric potential.
3. Electric potential difference: Electric potential difference, often referred to as voltage difference or voltage drop, is the difference in electric potential between two points in an electric field. It is calculated by subtracting the initial electric potential from the final electric potential. Since both the initial and final electric potential decrease as q moves away, the electric potential difference between the charges will also decrease.
4. Electric charge: Electric charge, represented by the symbol q, refers to the fundamental property of matter that gives rise to electric forces. Moving q away from Q does not impact the charge itself; it only affects the forces and potential associated with the charge.
Therefore, the quantity that will decrease as q is moved away from Q is all of the options: electric potential energy, electric potential, electric potential difference. Electric charge remains constant.