Question

multiple choice question
when work is done moving two like - charged particles near each other the electric potential

o increases
o remains the same
o decreases

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Explanation:

When two like - charged particles are moved near each other, work is done against the electrostatic repulsion. Electric potential energy is related to the work done in moving a charge in an electric field. The formula for electric potential energy between two charges \(q_1\) and \(q_2\) separated by a distance \(r\) is \(U=\frac{kq_1q_2}{r}\). When \(r\) decreases (moving the charges closer), and \(q_1\) and \(q_2\) are like - charged (so \(q_1q_2>0\)), the value of \(U\) increases. Electric potential is the electric potential energy per unit charge. Since the electric potential energy increases for the system of two like - charged particles when they are moved closer (work is done on the system), the electric potential (for a test charge in the field of these two charges) also increases.

Answer:

increases