Question

Electric field is directed towards

• A. Positive electric potential gradient
• B. Negative electric potential gradient
• C. Either of them
• D. Nothing can be said

Answer 1

The correct option is B Negative electric potential gradient

Consider a unit positive charge fixed at a point P. If you consider infinity as your reference, the potential increases as you move closer to the charge. It implies that the potential gradient i.e. Change in potential with distance, will be a positive number. But you also know quite well that the direction of electric field is in the opposite direction i.e. radially outwards.
So it implies from this case and thus generally that the electric field’s direction is opposite to potential gradient.