Question

The direction in which electric potential decreases is:

Options

• The direction of \[\vec{E}\] itself, i.e., 'downhill' on the potential surface

• Opposite to the direction of \[\vec{E}\]

• Always radially inward toward the charge, regardless of field direction

• Perpendicular to the direction of \[\vec{E}\]

Answer 1

The electric field \[\vec{E}\] points from high potential to low potential, i.e., 'downhill' on the potential surface. This follows from \[\vec{E} = -\frac{dV}{dr}\], where the negative sign indicates that the field points in the direction of decreasing potential.