Potential Energy of a Proton Near a Positively Charged Sphere: Does it Decrease?

[daniel69]

A proton is brought near a positively charged sphere. As it is brought closer its potential energy...

A. increases
B. decreases
C. remains the same
D. cannot determine

Does it decrease (B) because same forces repel causing a decrease in PE?

 

[Dr. Jekyll]

I would say that it increases because you need to do some work in order to bring the proton near the positively charged sphere.

 

[Moetasim]

As the proton is brought closer to the positively charged sphere, its potential energy will decrease (B). This is due to the electrostatic force between the two particles, which is repulsive since they have the same charge. As the distance between them decreases, the electrostatic force becomes stronger and the proton experiences a decrease in potential energy. This is consistent with the concept of potential energy, which is defined as the energy an object has due to its position or configuration in a system. In this case, as the proton moves closer to the positively charged sphere, its potential energy decreases because it is moving to a lower energy state. This phenomenon can be explained by the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. Therefore, the decrease in potential energy of the proton is accompanied by an increase in the kinetic energy of the system, as the proton gains speed while moving closer to the sphere. Overall, the potential energy of a proton near a positively charged sphere will decrease as it is brought closer due to the repulsive electrostatic force between them.