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.