To determine which object would have the strongest attraction to the object with a charge of -3 Coulombs, we need to consider the charge types and the distances involved.
-
Attraction occurs between opposite charges. Therefore, a positively charged object will attract the negatively charged object (the one with -3 Coulombs).
-
The force of attraction can be calculated using Coulomb's law: \[ F = k \frac{|q_1 q_2|}{r^2} \] where \( F \) is the force, \( k \) is Coulomb's constant, \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the magnitudes of the charges, and \( r \) is the distance between them.
Now, let's analyze the options:
-
An object with +3 charge at a distance of 5 cm: \[ F = k \frac{|(-3)(+3)|}{(5 , \text{cm})^2} \]
-
An object with -4 charge at a distance of 2 cm: Not applicable for attraction (like charges repel).
-
An object with -3 charge at a distance of 5 cm: Not applicable for attraction (like charges repel).
-
An object with +3 charge at a distance of 2 cm: \[ F = k \frac{|(-3)(+3)|}{(2 , \text{cm})^2} \]
Calculating the pull for the relevant objects:
-
For the +3 charge at 5 cm: \[ F = k \frac{9}{25} \]
-
For the +3 charge at 2 cm: \[ F = k \frac{9}{4} \]
Since \( \frac{9}{4} > \frac{9}{25} \), the object that would have the strongest attraction to the -3 Coulombs charge is:
An object with +3 charge at a distance of 2 cm.