Chapter 20.2, Problem 20SSC

To determine

To explain: The properties of both positively and negatively charged objects that can attract neutral objects.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The force of attraction or repulsion between the electrically charged particles is known as electrostatic force. There will be a force of attraction acting between the unlike charges and force of repulsion between the like charges. The electrostatic force possesses small range that is about only one tenth of the nucleus diameter, that is ${10}^{-16}\text{ m}$ .

Charge separationis caused because unlike charges attracts each other and the like charges repels one another. Because of this charge separation, when the charged object is held nearer to a neutral object, the opposite charges in the neutral object moves closer to the charged object and the like charges moves farther away. Inverse relationship exists between the electrostatic force and the distance between the charges. Because of this, the attractive force between the nearer opposite charges is more than the repulsive force between the distant like charges. The total effect isattraction. These two effects explains how both positively and negatively charged objects can attract neutral objects.