Like charges attract each other O true O false
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Answer: False
In the realm of electrostatics, it is a fundamental principle that like charges repel each other while opposite charges attract. This principle is derived from Coulomb’s law, which describes the electrostatic interaction between charged particles. According to Coulomb’s law, the force ( F ) between two point charges ( q_1 ) and ( q_2 ) separated by a distance ( r ) is given by the formula:
[
F = k \frac{|q_1 \cdot q_2|}{r^2}
]
where ( k ) is Coulomb’s constant. The direction of this force depends on the nature of the charges involved: if both charges are of the same sign (both positive or both negative), the force is repulsive, pushing the charges apart. Conversely, if one charge is positive and the other is negative, the force is attractive, pulling the charges toward each other.
The reason for this behavior lies in the nature of electric fields and the interactions between charged particles. Like charges generate electric fields that push against each other, leading to a repulsive force. This can be visualized with the concept of electric field lines; for like charges, the lines repel, indicating a force that pushes them apart. For opposite charges, the field lines converge, indicating an attractive force.
This principle has significant implications in various scientific and technological fields. For instance, it is foundational in understanding molecular interactions in chemistry, the behavior of charged particles in physics, and the functioning of devices like capacitors in electronics.
In summary, the assertion that like charges attract each other is false; rather, they repel, while opposite charges attract, which is a key concept in electrostatics.