For this exercise, imagine a large positive charge +Q fixed at some location in

Question

For this exercise, imagine a large positive charge +Q fixed at some location in otherwise empty space, far from all other charges. A positive test charge of smaller magnitude +q is launched directly towards the fixed charge. Of course, as the test charge gets closer, the repulsive force exerted on it by the fixed charge slows it down. Your job is to explain why the test charge slows down, but in terms of electric potential and EPE, rather than in terms of fields or forces.


In particular:

•explain how the electrical potential encountered by the test charge changes as it gets closer to the fixed charge, and why

•explain how the EPE of the test charge changes as it gets closer to the fixed charge, and why



On that basis, explain why the test charge +q slows down as it approaches the fixed charge +Q.




Note
Your response shouldn't mention either fields or forces

Explanation / Answer

All three questions are related.... The test charge starts out with full kinetic energy, and as the test charge gets closer to the +Q, the kinetic energy is being transferred into electric potential energy. This conversion expresses that KE is decreasing until the test charge reaches its max distance (relative to Xo) at which all of the energy is converted to Potential Energy (Split second). This is then transferred back into kinetic energy as they push away from each other.

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