To answer these questions, we need to understand the concept of electric fields and the interaction between charged particles. Let's break down each question:
(a) Which way does it move?
When a positively charged particle is brought near another positively charged particle, they will experience a repulsive force due to their like charges. According to the principle of action and reaction (Newton's third law), the moving particle will try to move away from the fixed, positively charged particle. Therefore, it will move away from the fixed particle.
(b) What happens to the force, acceleration, and velocity on the moving particle as it moves?
As the moving particle moves away from the fixed particle, the force between them decreases because the distance between them increases. The force between two charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, according to Coulomb's Law.
With a decrease in force, the acceleration of the moving particle will also decrease. This is because acceleration is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to mass (Newton's second law: F = ma). Since the mass of the moving particle remains constant, a decrease in force leads to a decrease in acceleration.
As the acceleration decreases, the velocity of the moving particle will also decrease. Velocity is the rate of change of displacement, and if the acceleration decreases, the rate of change of velocity (acceleration itself) will become smaller.
(c) What happens to the charges’ electric potential as it moves?
Electric potential is a measure of the electric potential energy per unit charge at a given point in an electric field. As the moving particle moves away from the fixed particle, the electric potential energy of the system decreases. This is because the moving particle gains kinetic energy as it moves away, which is converted from the potential energy in the electric field.
In summary:
(a) The moving particle will move away from the fixed particle.
(b) The force, acceleration, and velocity of the moving particle will decrease as it moves away.
(c) The charges' electric potential decreases as the moving particle moves away.