A positive charge is fixed at the origin. A negative charge is moved along the x-axis from x = 50 cm to x = 10 cm. The potential energy of the negative charge
A) does not change.
B) decreases.
C) increases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy of a pair of point charges is given by the equation PE = kqQ/r, where k is a constant, q and Q are the charges of the two particles, and r is the distance between them. As the negative charge is moved closer to the positive charge, the distance between them decreases, and so does the potential energy. Therefore, the potential energy of the negative charge decreases as it moves from x = 50 cm to x = 10 cm.

A Positive Charge Is Fixed at the Origin