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) Responses How far apart are the objects in each interaction? How far apart are the objects in each interaction? What is the mass of each object in the interactions? What is the mass of each object in the interactions? How large are the objects in each set? How large are the objects in each set? Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged?

1 answer

To identify the set with the stronger interaction between the charged objects, the most relevant question the student can ask is: Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged?

This question is crucial because the interaction between two charged objects depends on the type of charges they carry. Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract. The nature of the charges will determine the strength and type of interaction experienced by the objects.

The other questions about distance, mass, or size may have some influence on the interaction strength, but determining whether the charges are like or opposite will provide the most direct insight into the nature of their interaction.