Question

What is the decrease in potential energy of charge \[\Delta Q\] moving through potential difference \[V\]?

Options

• \[\Delta U_{\text{pot}} = -V\Delta Q\]

• \[\Delta U_{\text{pot}} = I\Delta Q\]

• \[\Delta U_{\text{pot}} = V\Delta Q\]

• \[\Delta U_{\text{pot}} = -\frac{V}{\Delta Q}\]

Answer 1

The change in potential energy is \[\Delta U_{\text{pot}} = -V\Delta Q\]. The negative sign indicates that potential energy decreases as the charge moves through the potential difference.