Two identical dust particles of mass 1μg are floating in empty space, far from any external sources of large gravitational or electric fields, and at rest with respect to each other. Both particles carry electric charges that are identical in magnitude and sign. The gravitational and electric forces between the particles happen to have the same magnitude, so each particle experiences zero net force and the distance between the particles remains constant.

Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
5th Edition
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Chapter19: Electric Forces And Electric Fields
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 6P
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Why is the following situation impossible? Two identical dust particles of mass 1μg are floating in empty space, far from any external sources of large gravitational or electric fields, and at rest with respect to each other. Both particles carry electric charges that are identical in magnitude and sign. The gravitational and electric forces between the particles happen to have the same magnitude, so each particle experiences zero net force and the distance between the particles remains constant.

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