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    Question

    A negative test charge is released in a non-uniform

    electric field. It moves towards a region of:
    A Lower potential and lower potential energy Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Lower potential and higher potential energy Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Higher potential and higher potential energy Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Higher potential and lower potential energy Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    When a negative test charge is released in a non-uniform electric field, it moves under the influence of the electric force. The direction of this force is opposite to the electric field because the charge is negative. The electric field points from higher potential to lower potential, but since the force on a negative charge is opposite to the field, it moves from lower potential to higher potential. Now, the electric potential energy of a charge in an electric field is given by: U = qV For a negative charge:

    • As it moves to higher potential (i.e., V increases),
    • Its potential energy U = qV becomes more negative (i.e., decreases).
    Therefore, the negative charge moves toward a region of:
    • Higher electric potential (since it moves opposite to field),
    • Lower electric potential energy (since U = qV and q<0).

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