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. Decreases because the charge moves opposite to the electric field

Answer

C

Explanation

The direction of electric field is always perpendicular to one equipotential surface maintained at high electrostatic potential to other equipotential surface maintained at low electrostatic potential.
The positively charged particle experiences electrostatic force along the direction of electric field i.e., from high electrostatic potential to low electrostatic potential.
Thus, the work is done by the electric field on the positive charge, hence electrostatic potential energy of the positive charge decreases.