Why Does Moving a Negative Charge to a Higher Potential Increase Its Energy?

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SUMMARY

When a negative charge of -2C is moved from point A to point B, the potential energy of the system increases by 10J, leading to a voltage V(ab) of +5V. The equation used is U=qV, where U represents potential energy, q is charge, and V is voltage. The increase in potential energy indicates that point A is at a higher potential than point B, confirming that the voltage difference is positive. Thus, the correct interpretation of the voltage is V(ab) = +5V.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric potential and potential energy
  • Familiarity with the equation U=qV
  • Knowledge of charge interactions, particularly between positive and negative charges
  • Basic concepts of voltage and electric fields
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between electric potential and potential energy in electrostatics
  • Explore the concept of electric fields and their effect on charged particles
  • Learn about the implications of moving charges in different electric potentials
  • Investigate the behavior of positive and negative charges in electric fields
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on electromagnetism, as well as educators explaining concepts of electric potential and energy in charged systems.

Kelly McGuire
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Homework Statement


When a -2C is moved from point A to B, the potential energy of the system increases by 10J. What is the voltage V(ab)?

Homework Equations


U=qV

The Attempt at a Solution


10=(-2)V, I thought the voltage was -5V but the correct answer is +5V. Could someone explain why this is?
 
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Kelly McGuire said:
What is the voltage V(ab)?
Vab is nothing but Va-Vb. In simple words, if you have a positive charge and a negative charge placed close to each other, you'll observe a gain in potential energy of the negative charge if it is moved away from the positive charge. Here, since the negative charge is gaining energy, point A must be at a higher potential (more +ve than B) than point B. Hence, Vab= +5V.
 

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