The electrical force between two objects depends on

(a) the distance between the two objects.

(b) the charge of the two objects.

(c) the mass of the two objects.

Question

The electrical force between two objects depends on

(a) the distance between the two objects.

(b) the charge of the two objects.

(c) the mass of the two objects.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Consider the factors that determine the electrostatic (electric) force between two objects.
Option (a): The distance between the objects is a key factor. According to Coulomb's law, the force is inversely proportional to the square of the separation distance, so as distance increases, the force decreases significantly. This makes distance a fundamental determinant of the force.
Option (b): The charges on the two objects are also essential. The magnitude of the force is proportional to the product of the two charges (|q1 q2|); larger charges produce a stronger force, while opposite signs give attraction and like signs give repulsion. Thus, charges directly influence the strength of the interaction.
Option (c): The mass of the objects is not part of the electrostatic force law. Electrostatic force depends on charge and distance, not on mass. Mass matters for gravitational force instead, via F = G m1 m2 / r^2, but not in Coulomb's equation. Therefore, mass is not a determinant of the electrical force.
In summary, the electric force depends on both distance and charges, but not on mass, so (a) and (b) are correct and (c) is not applicable to electrostatic interactions.

SPHY001 Practice Quiz - Unit 18 | LA058

The electrical force between two objects depends on (a) the distance between the two objects. (b) the charge of the two objects. (c) the mass of the two objects.

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