A positively charged particle is released from rest in a uniform electric field. The electric potential energy of the charge.

Options

A. remains a constant because the electric field is uniform
B. increases because the charge moves along the electric field
C. decreases because the charge moves along the electric field
D. decrease because the charge moves opposite to th electric field

Answer

To solve the problem of a positively charged particle released from rest in a uniform electric field, we need to analyze the situation step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Electric Field**:
- A uniform electric field is created by two parallel plates with a potential difference. The direction of the electric field is from the positive plate to the negative plate.

2. **Behavior of the Positive Charge**:
- When a positively charged particle is released from rest in this electric field, it will experience a force in the direction of the electric field. This is due to the electric force acting on the charge, which is given by \( F = qE \), where \( q \) is the charge and \( E \) is the electric field strength.

3. **Movement of the Charge**:
- Since the charge is positively charged, it will move in the direction of the electric field. This means it will move from a region of higher electric potential to a region of lower electric potential.

4. **Change in Electric Potential Energy**:
- The electric potential energy (U) of a charge in an electric field is given by the formula:
\[ U = qV \]
where \( V \) is the electric potential at the location of the charge.
- As the charge moves from a higher potential to a lower potential, the electric potential energy of the charge decreases.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the electric potential energy of the positively charged particle decreases as it moves in the direction of the electric field.

### Final Answer:
The electric potential energy of the positively charged particle decreases as it moves in the uniform electric field.

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