The potential energy and electric field?

In which direction must a test charge be moved within an electric field if potential energy is to be stored?

• I think I know the answer but I'm not 100% sure so help please? :D So I know that for potential energy to be stored in the system, the test charge must be moved against the direction of an electric field because this requires work and this will, then, increase the potential energy stored in the system. Does that sound about right? Or am I completely off? Thanks!

• Answer:

  You must do positive work on the system for the system to gain potential. In the case of electric field, that means moving against the field direction (for a positive charge at least). You can think of it in an analogous gravity sense. The gravitation field is directed towards the center of mass, AKA down. To increase GPE, you must move up, i.e. against the field direction. Be sure though to watch whether the test charge is positive or negative because that WILL change your answer.