If a positive charge moves from a higher voltage to a lower voltage, does the kinetic energy increase or decrease?
To determine whether the kinetic energy of a positive charge increases or decreases when it moves from a higher voltage to a lower voltage, we need to understand the relationship between voltage, electric potential energy, and kinetic energy.
Voltage is a measure of the electric potential energy difference between two points. When a positive charge moves from a higher voltage (higher electric potential energy) to a lower voltage (lower electric potential energy), it is moving in the direction of decreasing potential energy.
As a positive charge moves in an electric field, it converts its electric potential energy into kinetic energy. Essentially, the charge accelerates due to the electric field and gains speed, which increases its kinetic energy.
Therefore, when a positive charge moves from a higher voltage to a lower voltage, its kinetic energy increases. This is because it is losing electric potential energy and converting it into kinetic energy.