An ion is released from rest and moves due to the force from an electric field from a position in the field having a potential of 14 V to a position having a potential of 8 V.The ion:
A) can have either a positive or a negative charge.
B) must be neutral.
C) must have a positive charge.
D) must have a negative charge.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ion moves from a higher potential (14 V) to a lower potential (8 V). This means that it is moving in the direction of the electric field, which is from higher potential to lower potential. Since the electric field is directed from positive to negative charge, the ion must have a positive charge in order to move in the direction of the electric field. Therefore, the correct answer is that the ion must have a positive charge (choice C).

An Ion Is Released from Rest and Moves Due to the Force