Chapter 21, Problem 88A

To determine

To explain: The effect on the electrical potential energy of a charged particle in an electric field when the particle is released and free to move.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The quantity of work required to transfer a unit charge from a reference point to a particular point within the electric field without generating an acceleration is called electric potential. Electric field is a region surrounding an electrically charged body where another electric charge experiences a force.

When the charged particle in an electric field is released and free to move, there will be a conversion of its electrical potential energy in to its kinetic energy. Because initially when the charge is at rest, it has high potential energy. When it is released and free to move it gains kinetic energy. Since energy is conserved, the electrical potential energy is converted into its kinetic energy.