What type of forces are generated by opposite charges between two particles?

What type of forces are generated by opposite charges between two particles?

• A. Gravitational forces
• B. Electrostatic attraction
• C. Magnetic forces
• D. Centrifugal forces

Answer: (B)

Electrostatic attraction is the force that occurs between two particles with opposite charges. This force is a fundamental interaction in physics and chemistry, governed by Coulomb's law, which states that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. The strength of this force is influenced by the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them. In practical terms, this means that charged particles, such as protons and electrons, will experience a strong attraction due to their opposite charges, resulting in the formation of stable atomic structures. In contrast, gravitational forces act between any two masses regardless of their charge, but they are substantially weaker than electrostatic forces at the scale of atomic particles. Magnetic forces arise from the motion of charged particles and their intrinsic magnetic moments, which come into play primarily when charges move, rather than due to static charges. Centrifugal forces are not fundamental forces but rather a perceived effect in a rotating reference frame, which does not apply to the scenario involving charged particles. Thus, the electrostatic attraction is the dominant force between opposite charges, making it the correct answer.

Electrostatic attraction is the force that occurs between two particles with opposite charges. This force is a fundamental interaction in physics and chemistry, governed by Coulomb's law, which states that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. The strength of this force is influenced by the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them. In practical terms, this means that charged particles, such as protons and electrons, will experience a strong attraction due to their opposite charges, resulting in the formation of stable atomic structures.

In contrast, gravitational forces act between any two masses regardless of their charge, but they are substantially weaker than electrostatic forces at the scale of atomic particles. Magnetic forces arise from the motion of charged particles and their intrinsic magnetic moments, which come into play primarily when charges move, rather than due to static charges. Centrifugal forces are not fundamental forces but rather a perceived effect in a rotating reference frame, which does not apply to the scenario involving charged particles. Thus, the electrostatic attraction is the dominant force between opposite charges, making it the correct answer.