Does the electric potential energy increase, decrease, or stay the same? Explain. Match the words to the appropriate blanks in the sentences. The electric potential energy of the charges is proportional toso its absolute value with increase of r . As the charges have opposite signs, the potential energy of the charges has sign. Thus, the potential energy as r increases.
r^-1
r^-2
r
r^2
decrease
remains the same
increases
positive
negative
decreases
stays the same
increases