You are given four objects, A, B, C, and D. You discover that A and B repel each – [Free] B85
You are given four objects, A, B, C, and D. You discover that A and B repel each other and that C and D repel each other. If B and C attract each other, which of the following are possible charges for A, B, C, and D in that order?
Question:
You are given four objects, A, B, C, and D. You discover that A and B repel each other, and that C and D repel each other. If B and C attract each other, which of the following is a possible charge configuration for A, B, C, and D in that order?
Answer:
To solve this problem, we need to apply the fundamental principles of electrostatics regarding attraction and repulsion between charged objects.
- A and B repel → They must have like charges (both positive or both negative).
- C and D repel → They also must have like charges.
- B and C attract → They must have opposite charges.
Let’s analyze the cases:
Case 1: A and B are both Positive (+)
If A = + and B = +, and B attracts C, then C must be Negative (−). Since C and D repel, D must also be Negative (−).
A = +, B = +, C = −, D = −
Case 2: A and B are both Negative (−)
If A = − and B = −, and B attracts C, then C must be Positive (+). Since C and D repel, D must also be Positive (+).
A = −, B = −, C = +, D = +
Final Conclusion:
Both of the above cases satisfy all the conditions given in the question:
- Like charges repel (A & B, C & D)
- Opposite charges attract (B & C)
- A = +, B = +, C = −, D = −
- A = −, B = −, C = +, D = +