A student observes interactions between two sets of electrically charged objects. In each set, the objects carry either a charge of –1 or +1 Coulomb. Which question can the student ask to identify the set with the stronger interaction?(1 point)

Question

Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged?
Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged?

What is the mass of each object in the interactions?
What is the mass of each object in the interactions?

How far apart are the objects in each interaction?
How far apart are the objects in each interaction?

How large are the objects in each set?

Answer 1

The student can ask the question: "How far apart are the objects in each interaction?"

This question is relevant because the strength of the interaction between charged objects depends on both their charges and the distance between them, as described by Coulomb's Law. Coulomb's Law states that the force of interaction (F) between two point charges can be calculated using the formula:

\[ F = k \frac{|q_1 \cdot q_2|}{r^2} \]

where \(k\) is Coulomb's constant, \(q_1\) and \(q_2\) are the charges of the objects, and \(r\) is the distance between them. By knowing the distance, the student can better understand the strength of the interaction in combination with the charge values. The other questions don't directly address the interaction strength based on the nature of electrostatic forces.