Physics · Electric field: electric field due to a point charge, electric field lines, electric dipole, electric field due to a dipole, torque on a dipole in a uniform electric field

The figure shows the field lines of a positive point charge. The work done by th

The figure shows the field lines of a positive point charge. The work done by the field in moving a small positive charge from \( Q \) to \( P \) is:

  • A. zero
  • B. Positive
  • C. Negative
  • D. Data insufficient

Step-by-step solution

The work done by the electric field is given by W = q(V_Q - V_P). For a positive point charge, potential decreases with distance. Without the figure, we cannot determine the relative distances of Q and P from the source charge. If Q is closer, work is positive; if farther, work is negative; if on same equipotential, work is zero. Thus, data is insufficient.
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