Work done by an electrostatic field in moving a given charge from one point to another …… upon the chosen closed path.

Options

A. zero
B. positive
C. negative
D. data insufficient

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the work done by an electrostatic field in moving a given charge from one point to another along a closed path, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Work Done by Electric Field**:
- The work done \( W \) by an electric field in moving a charge \( q \) from one point to another is defined as the integral of the electric force \( \vec{F} \) along the path \( C \) taken by the charge:
\[ W = \int_C \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{s} \]
- Here, \( d\vec{s} \) is an infinitesimal displacement vector along the path.

2. **Properties of Electrostatic Fields**:
- An electrostatic field is conservative, which means that the work done in moving a charge between two points is independent of the path taken. It only depends on the initial and final positions.

3. **Work Done in a Closed Path**:
- When moving a charge in a closed path (starting and ending at the same point), the work done can be expressed as:
\[ W = \oint_C \vec{F} \cdot d\vec{s} \]
- Since the electric field is conservative, the work done around any closed path is zero:
\[ W = 0 \]

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the work done by an electrostatic field in moving a given charge from one point to another along a closed path is:
\[ \text{Work done} = 0 \]