Electric Potential(V) and Electric Potential Energy(U) laws

[lonewolf219]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me if these 4 following statements are correct?


1. V increases as a particle nears a proton

2. V decreases as a particle nears an electron

3. U increases as a particle moves in opposite direction of Electric Field

4. U decreases as a particle moves in same direction of Electric Field

 

[sophiecentaur]

The answer to the above depends totally upon the charge on your "particle".
But the rule is that, if particles are attracted to each other, the Potential Energy decreases as they get closer and vice versa.

 

[rcgldr]

Statements 1 and 2 are true. Voltage is defined with the convention that positive charges are involved. Electrical potential energy multiplies voltage by the charge, so negative charges will have negative electrical potential energy compared to positive charges (assuming an appropriate reference point for U equal to zero).

3. U increases as a particle moves in opposite direction of Electric Field

False - for a positive charge, U becomes more positive. For a negative charge, U becomes more negative (assuming an appropriate reference point for U equal to zero).

4. U decreases as a particle moves in same direction of Electric Field

False - for a positve charge, U becomes less positive, for a negative charge, U become less negative (assuming an appropriate reference point for U equal to zero).

 

[lonewolf219]

I've been studying this concept for weeks, and should have asked you guys! Thank you very much, rcgldr.

 

[sardar]

Yes, these statements are correct. Electric potential (V) is a measure of the electric potential energy (U) per unit charge at a given point in space. As a particle nears a proton, the electric potential increases because the positive charge of the proton creates a strong electric field that repels the particle. Similarly, as a particle nears an electron, the electric potential decreases because the negative charge of the electron creates a strong electric field that attracts the particle.

The electric potential energy (U) also depends on the direction of the electric field. When a particle moves in the opposite direction of the electric field, it experiences a force that is opposite to the direction of its motion. This results in an increase in electric potential energy. On the other hand, when a particle moves in the same direction as the electric field, it experiences a force that is in the same direction as its motion. This results in a decrease in electric potential energy.

Overall, these laws demonstrate the relationship between electric potential, electric potential energy, and the direction of the electric field. They are important concepts in understanding the behavior of charged particles in electric fields and have practical applications in many fields of science and technology.