Understanding the Relationship Between Potential Energy and Direction in Fields

[Angela Liang]

Why do we not need to consider direction when determining the change in potential energy? Why do we need to consider it in case of force? Or am I interpreting the question correctly?

 

[mfb]

Why do we not need to consider direction when determining the change in potential energy?

Does it matter if you move stairs up or down if you are asked about your change in height above the ground?
Same thing here.

 

[Angela Liang]

Thanks! But why does the force increase and then decrease?

 

[mfb]

What is the relation between the field strength and the distance between the potential lines (in 50 V steps)?

 

[Angela Liang]

What is the relation between the field strength and the distance between the potential lines (in 50 V steps)?

E=-dV/dx right?

 

[Angela Liang]

E=-dV/dx right?

Oh yea I got what you mean. Closer field lines means stronger field. Thanks!