- #1
Peter G.
- 442
- 0
For some reason I am getting stuck with problems that seem to be very simple.
I get quite confused with the matter that, when fields do negative work, an object gains energy.
So, for example. When we raise a book to a shelf, we are doing positive work equal to mgh and gravity is doing negative work equal to -mgh. Yet, the book gains potential energy. How?
Similarly, when we move a positive charge towards a negative plate through a distance s, we perform work equal to qEs, the field does -qEs and the charge gains potential energy. How?
Sorry if I am failing to spot anything really simple! I might have had a bit too much of studying today
Thanks in advance
I get quite confused with the matter that, when fields do negative work, an object gains energy.
So, for example. When we raise a book to a shelf, we are doing positive work equal to mgh and gravity is doing negative work equal to -mgh. Yet, the book gains potential energy. How?
Similarly, when we move a positive charge towards a negative plate through a distance s, we perform work equal to qEs, the field does -qEs and the charge gains potential energy. How?
Sorry if I am failing to spot anything really simple! I might have had a bit too much of studying today
Thanks in advance