Question

if a small positive charge is moved from a location far away toward a larger, stationary positive charge, what happens to its potential energy and why? its potential energy increases because it is being moved against the electric force. its potential energy decreases because it is moving toward a stronger field. its potential energy becomes negative because it is repelled by the other charge. its potential energy remains the same because the charge is small.

Explanation:

When moving a small positive charge towards a larger stationary positive charge, like charges repel. Work must be done against the electric force (since they repel). By the definition of electric potential energy (work done on the charge to move it in an electric field), if work is done against the electric force, the potential energy increases.

Answer:

Its potential energy increases because it is being moved against the electric force.