5. A positive charge Q and four points on equipotential lines are represented in the diagram shown.
A negative ion is moved from location 1 to 2, then to 3 and finally to 4. Which of the following gives the correct nature of the net work done on the ion during each section of this movement?
| 1 to 2 | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 |
| A. | negative | positive | positive |
| B. | positive | negative | negative |
| C. | negative | zero | positive |
| D. | positive | zero | negative |
C
Explanation:
The negative ion is attracted by the positive charge, therefore its energy at the inner equipotential line is less than the outer one.
Moving from 1 to 2, it moves to a lower energy, therefore work is negative
Moving from 2 to 3, it moves along the same equipotential line, therefore no work done
Moving from 3 to 4, it moves to a higher energy, therefore positive work is done.