Question

When an electron approaches a proton, their electrostatic potential energy

• A. decreases
• B. increases
• C. remains unchanged
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A decreases

The electron has negative charge and the proton has positive charge. When an electron is bringing towards a proton, then due to the opposite charge attractive force is produces between them. Electrostatic potential energy is the capacity to do work which arises from the position or configuration. As only little work is needed for approaching an electron to proton, their electrostatic potential energy decreases.