Metal sphere A is hung from the ceiling by a long, thin string and given a positive charge. An identical sphere B is suspended n
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- The greatest potential energy increase occurs when the charge travels north. This happens because the charge is negative, which means it gains potential energy when moving in the same direction as the field (in contrast, a positive charge moving along the field loses potential energy, converting it to kinetic energy). The potential energy gained is calculated as the charge multiplied by the distance moved:
- The next largest increase occurs as the charge moves east. Here, the change in potential energy is actually zero since the charge moves perpendicular to the field, traversing points with constant potential. Therefore, there is no variation in potential energy in this case:
- Finally, when the charge moves south, it experiences a reduction in potential energy. This is due to moving against the electric field, and since it is a negative charge, it loses potential energy in this direction, which transforms into kinetic energy. Thus, in this scenario:
- The next largest increase occurs as the charge moves east. Here, the change in potential energy is actually zero since the charge moves perpendicular to the field, traversing points with constant potential. Therefore, there is no variation in potential energy in this case:
- Finally, when the charge moves south, it experiences a reduction in potential energy. This is due to moving against the electric field, and since it is a negative charge, it loses potential energy in this direction, which transforms into kinetic energy. Thus, in this scenario: