---
title: "A small particle with a negative charge \\(-q\\) is released from rest near a fixed sphere with a positive charge \\(+Q\\). No forces other than the electrostatic force act on the particle. As the particle moves closer to the positive sphere, how does the electric potential energy of the particle-sphere system change, and why?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/116958/"
date_modified: "2026-08-04T06:16:50+00:00"
---

# A small particle with a negative charge \(-q\) is released from rest near a fixed sphere with a positive charge \(+Q\). No forces other than the electrostatic force act on the particle. As the particle moves closer to the positive sphere, how does the electric potential energy of the particle-sphere system change, and why?

A small particle with a negative charge \(-q\) is released from rest near a fixed sphere with a positive charge \(+Q\). No forces other than the electrostatic force act on the particle. As the particle moves closer to the positive sphere, how does the electric potential energy of the particle-sphere system change, and why?

- **A.** The electric potential energy increases, because the electrostatic force points in the direction of motion and does positive work on the particle.
- **B.** The electric potential energy increases, because the particle moves toward a region of higher electric potential.
- **C.** The electric potential energy decreases, because the electrostatic force points in the direction of motion and does positive work on the particle.
- **D.** The electric potential energy decreases, because the particle moves toward a region of lower electric potential.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/116958/*