Will the potential energy of a negative charge increases or decreases when it is moved in the direction of electric field? Will its final position be at higher potential or lower potential?

Explanation

When an external agent makes a negative charge move in the direction of the electric field, the charge will move to a region of lower electric potential. If A and B are initial and final positions of the charge, then
`V_(A) gt V_(B)`
Work done on the negative charge, -q on moving it form A to B
`W_(AB)=-q(V_(B)-V_(A))`
Since `V_(B)-V_(A) lt 0`
`therefore W_(AB)` is positive
Thus, positive work will be done of the charge and hence its potential energy increases.
Note: An external agent is required to make negative charge move in the direction of electric field as the negative charge experiences an electric force in the opposite direction of the field.