Physics · Electrostatic Potential

A test charge \( q \) is moved slowly from a point \( R \) to a point \( P \) against a repulsive electrostatic force due to a source charge \( Q \) placed at the origin. Which of the following statements regarding the work done by the external force \( F_{\text{ext}} \) is correct?

1. The work done by the external force is negative because it opposes the electrostatic force.
2. The work done by the external force depends on the actual path taken from \( R \) to \( P \).
3. The work done by the external force is equal to the negative of the work done by the electrostatic force and is stored as potential energy.
4. The work done by the external force increases both the kinetic energy and potential energy of the charge \( q \).