Chapter 7.6, Problem 1PPC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given pair of charged objects is to be arranged in an increasing order of magnitude of the attractive force between them.

Concept introduction:

As per Coulomb’s law, “the force $\left(\text{F}\right)$ between two charged objects $\left({\text{Q}}_1{\text{ and Q}}_2\right)$ is directly related to the product of two charges and inversely related to the square of the distance $\left(\text{d}\right)$ between the objects.”

$\text{F }\alpha \frac{{\text{Q}}_1\times {\text{Q}}_2}{{\text{d}}^2}$

When the charges have opposite signs, that is, when the value of $\text{F}$ is negative, then it indicates that there is an attractive force between the objects.

When the charges have the same signs, that is, the value of $\text{F}$ is positive, then it indicates that there is a repulsive force between the objects.