- #1
hulkster1988
- 6
- 0
Hi,
I'm trying to conceptualize the idea of work done by an electric field, can someone let me know if my reasoning is right?
For a +ve charge, if it is moved against the electric field, the Electric Field does -ve work (W=-PE = -qV = (-)(+)(-))
For a -ve charge, however, if it is moved against the electric field (i.e.e to an area of higher electrical potential), the work done by the electric field must be +ve since PE=qV, and q is -ve, V is +ve, and thus PE is -ve. However, since Work by the field=-PE, the work must then be positive.
My reasoning for moving the negative charge is the one I'm kind of iffy about, since one might think moving a charge against the field would imply that work done by the field is negative.
However, since a negative charge has a tendency to spontaneously move towards an area of higher potential, it makes sense that moving towards an area of lower potential (i.e. against the Electric field lines) means work done by the field is positive.
Can anyone help me out on this?
Thanks alot.
I'm trying to conceptualize the idea of work done by an electric field, can someone let me know if my reasoning is right?
For a +ve charge, if it is moved against the electric field, the Electric Field does -ve work (W=-PE = -qV = (-)(+)(-))
For a -ve charge, however, if it is moved against the electric field (i.e.e to an area of higher electrical potential), the work done by the electric field must be +ve since PE=qV, and q is -ve, V is +ve, and thus PE is -ve. However, since Work by the field=-PE, the work must then be positive.
My reasoning for moving the negative charge is the one I'm kind of iffy about, since one might think moving a charge against the field would imply that work done by the field is negative.
However, since a negative charge has a tendency to spontaneously move towards an area of higher potential, it makes sense that moving towards an area of lower potential (i.e. against the Electric field lines) means work done by the field is positive.
Can anyone help me out on this?
Thanks alot.