Can Object A Be Neutral Based on Charge Interactions?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions between three objects (A, B, and C) and whether object A can be neutral based on the observed charge interactions. The subject area includes electrostatics and charge properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of attraction and repulsion between the objects, questioning if A can be neutral given the interactions with B and C. Some participants discuss the nature of neutral charges and how they interact with charged objects.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes varying perspectives on the possibility of A being neutral. Some participants provide insights into charge interactions, while others express uncertainty about the conclusions that can be drawn from the limited information available.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the need for more specific conditions or definitions regarding the nature of the objects involved, as well as the suggestion that the problem could be framed differently for clarity.

kickthatbike
Messages
11
Reaction score
0
Three objects (A, B, and C) are brought close to each other one at a time. A and B attract, but B and C repel. Simple true/false question involving "is this one positive/negative/etc." What I'm unsure about is whether or not A could possibly be neutral, or more specifically, is there any way to tell with certainty based on the limited information whether or not it IS neutral?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There are no neutral charges, only positive and negative charges. A neutral particle is neither attracted to nor repulsed by a charged particle.
 
Fair enough. Thank you!
 
kickthatbike said:
Three objects (A, B, and C) are brought close to each other one at a time. A and B attract, but B and C repel. Simple true/false question involving "is this one positive/negative/etc." What I'm unsure about is whether or not A could possibly be neutral, or more specifically, is there any way to tell with certainty based on the limited information whether or not it IS neutral?

A charged object can attract neutral ones by polarizing them. A rubbed plastic rod (or a simple comb) will attract small and light paper pieces. See: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/u8l1c.cfm (experiment with a rubbed balloon and bits of paper). So you are right, A can be neutral, too.

The problem should have been asked about three point-like charged objects.

ehild
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K