Conceptual question about (GEM forces)

[Herjap]

please note- (GEM forces) stand for gravitational or electric forces.

Under normal circumstances, we are not aware of the gravitational or electric forces between two everyday objects.
Is this so because of the relative mass of these objects are very small in magnitude, when compared to larger objects like planets...

 

[nasu]

This would be true for gravitational force. Why do you think gravitational and electric forces should go together in this?
For electric forces the mass is not relevant.

 

[Herjap]

Yes, therefore mass is only relevant to gravitational forces. But I am confused why we are not aware of the electric forces between two everyday objects

 

[nasu]

Because most everyday objects are electrically neutral. They have equal numbers of positive and negative charges so that overall they are neutral, have no net charge.
The effect of electric forces becomes visible of you somehow produce a (small) imbalance between these charges and the object becomes "charged".

 

[pmacias]

Yes, this is correct. The gravitational and electric forces between two objects are directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, for everyday objects with relatively small masses, these forces are very weak and difficult to detect. However, for larger objects like planets, the masses are much greater and the distance between them is also much smaller, leading to stronger gravitational and electric forces that are more easily observed.