A positive charged particle when moves from higher potential to lower potential

Options

A. its potential energy must decrease
B. it potential energy may decrease
C. its kinetic energy must increase
D. its kinetic energy may increase

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the motion of a positively charged particle as it moves from a region of higher electric potential to a region of lower electric potential. We will determine how this affects its potential energy and kinetic energy.

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Electric Potential**:
- Electric potential (V) is a measure of the potential energy per unit charge at a point in an electric field. Higher potential means more potential energy for a positive charge.

2. **Identifying the Initial and Final States**:
- Let's denote the initial potential (at the higher potential point) as \( V_1 \) and the final potential (at the lower potential point) as \( V_2 \), where \( V_1 > V_2 \).

3. **Calculating Potential Energy**:
- The potential energy (U) of a charge \( q \) at a potential \( V \) is given by the formula:
\[ U = q \cdot V \]
- Initially, when the charge is at the higher potential \( V_1 \):
\[ U_1 = q \cdot V_1 \]
- Finally, when the charge moves to the lower potential \( V_2 \):
\[ U_2 = q \cdot V_2 \]

4. **Analyzing Change in Potential Energy**:
- Since \( V_1 > V_2 \), it follows that:
\[ U_1 > U_2 \]
- Therefore, the potential energy decreases as the charge moves from higher potential to lower potential:
\[ \Delta U = U_2 - U_1 < 0 \]

5. **Conservation of Mechanical Energy**:
- The total mechanical energy (E) in the system is conserved if only electrostatic forces are acting. This means:
\[ E = U + K = \text{constant} \]
- Where \( K \) is the kinetic energy. Thus, we can write:
\[ U_1 + K_1 = U_2 + K_2 \]

6. **Determining Change in Kinetic Energy**:
- Since \( U_1 > U_2 \), we have:
\[ K_2 > K_1 \]
- This indicates that the kinetic energy must increase as the potential energy decreases to keep the total mechanical energy constant.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, we conclude that:
- The potential energy **decreases** as the charge moves from higher potential to lower potential.
- The kinetic energy **increases** as the charge moves from higher potential to lower potential.

### Final Answers:
- Potential Energy: **Decreases**
- Kinetic Energy: **Increases**