Physics A-Level
Sign convention for like and unlike charges
What Sign convention for like and unlike charges means in Physics A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Sign convention for like and unlike charges
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Sign convention for like and unlike charges in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Like charges give positive potential energy that decreases as r increases, while unlike charges give negative potential energy that becomes more negative as r decreases.
Topics that use Sign convention for like and unlike charges
- Electric potential and energy (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Electric potential
- Geometry determining capacitance
- Graphical representation of force against distance
- Permittivity of free space
- Potential difference
- Work done
- Work done as area under a force–distance graph
- Capacitance as charge per unit potential difference
Using Sign convention for like and unlike charges in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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