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

In summary, when a negative charge is moved from point A to point B, the potential energy of the system increases by 10J. This results in a voltage of +5V between point A and point B, indicating that point A is at a higher potential than point B. This can be explained by the fact that when a positive and negative charge are placed close to each other, the negative charge gains energy when moved away from the positive charge.
  • #1
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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  • #2
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.
 

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

1. What is voltage and how is it related to potential energy?

Voltage is the measure of the electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is directly related to potential energy, as a higher voltage means there is more potential energy available to move electric charges through a circuit.

2. How is voltage measured?

Voltage is measured using a voltmeter, which is connected in parallel to the circuit. The unit of measurement for voltage is volts (V).

3. How does voltage affect the flow of electric current?

Voltage is what drives the flow of electric current in a circuit. A higher voltage will result in a greater force pushing the electrons through the circuit, while a lower voltage will result in a slower flow of current.

4. Can voltage and potential energy be converted into each other?

Yes, voltage and potential energy are interchangeable. Potential energy can be converted into voltage by using a voltage source, such as a battery. Conversely, voltage can be converted into potential energy when a current flows through a circuit and does work, such as powering a lightbulb.

5. How does the potential energy of an electric charge change when it moves through a circuit?

The potential energy of an electric charge decreases as it moves through a circuit, due to the work it does in overcoming resistance. This loss of potential energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or light, depending on the type of circuit and its components.

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