Which of the following statements about electric potential energy is not correct?

A. The electric potential energy of a positively charged particle increases when it moves to a point of higher potential
B. The electric potential energy of a negatively charged particle increases when it moves to a point of lower potential
C. The electric potential energy of a positively charged particle decreases when it moves to a point of higher potential
D. The work done in taking a charged particle around a closed path in an electric field is zero.

Correct Answer:

Option B – The electric potential energy of a negatively charged particle increases when it moves to a point of lower potential

Explanation

The potential energy for a positive charge increases when it moves against an electric field

And decreases when it moves with the electric field;

The opposite is true for a negative charge. Unless the unit charge crosses a changing magnetic field, its potential at any given point does not depend on the path taken.