Potential energy of an electron near a negative charge
An electron is moved closer to a fixed negative charge. What happens to the electron's electric potential energy?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
Potential energy decreases when opposite charges move closer.
B
Potential energy depends on the separation, which is changing.
C
Potential energy approaches zero only at infinite separation.
D
Correct. Like charges repel, so work must be done to push them together. That work is stored as potential energy.
TakeawayLike charges: closer → more U. Opposite charges: closer → less U.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID cp77.