A2 physics electric potential sign conventions

[hamizahmed]

I am a bot confused regarding the sign conventions in electric potential. If we have an electric field of positive charge, and another positive charge is placed near it, then what will be the sign of workdone in moving that charge from infinity to electric field?

 

[mvick]

It will always be negative coz at infinity we take the potential to be zero N work has to be against the field to bring the positive charge the that point. If you derive the potential by calculus and on Integration we have the potential negative. Hope this helps you need more info let me know.

 

[Virtuoso]

if its attractive then it is negative if repulsive then always positive .. ... thats y the gravitational potential is alwayz negative...