Question

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? 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? Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged? What is the mass of each object in the interactions?

Answer 1

To identify the set with the stronger interaction between the charged objects, the student should ask:

Are the objects both positively charged or both negatively charged?

This question directly relates to the nature of the interactions between the charges. Objects with the same type of charge (both positive or both negative) will repel each other, while objects with opposite charges (one positive and one negative) will attract each other. The strength of the interaction can be affected by the type of charges involved and their magnitudes (in this case, both are ±1 Coulomb). The distance between the objects also influences the interaction (as described by Coulomb's law), but the type of charge determines the direction of the force (attraction or repulsion) and can provide insight into the nature of the interaction.

The other options (distance, size, or mass) do not fundamentally determine the type or strength of the interaction as directly as the nature of the charges does.