Opposite Electrical Charge: Particle Attraction

In summary, when two particles with opposite electrical charges are in proximity, they experience an attractive electrical force that causes them to accelerate towards each other. This is similar to the way air molecules exert a repulsive force on balls in a tube, pushing them together. The concept of virtual particle exchange may provide a more accurate explanation of the interaction between particles, but ultimately, particles accelerate because they feel a force from each other. Trying to understand this at a deeper level is futile.
  • #1
Curt Evans
2
0
If you have two particles of opposite electrical charge in proximity, what actually sets them in motion? As a an analogy, if you have two balls in either end of a tube and remove the air between them, outside pressure will push them together. What is the equivalent process at the particle level?
 
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  • #2
The particles exert an attractive electrical force on each other, resulting in an acceleration of each particle towards the other. In your example, the air molecules exerts a repulsive force on the balls when they collide with them, which pushes them together.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb's_law
 
  • #3
Curt Evans said:
If you have two particles of opposite electrical charge in proximity, what actually sets them in motion? As a an analogy, if you have two balls in either end of a tube and remove the air between them, outside pressure will push them together.
That is not an analogy, but an example of the very same force. The electrons in the air atoms and the ball atoms are repelling each other.
 
  • #4
Drakkith said:
The particles exert an attractive electrical force on each other, resulting in an acceleration of each particle towards the other. In your example, the air molecules exerts a repulsive force on the balls when they collide with them, which pushes them together.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coulomb's_law

The question is why do they accelerate. The provided some information on virtual particle exchange, that's what I'm trying to get my head around.
 
  • #5
Curt Evans said:
The question is why do they accelerate. The provided some information on virtual particle exchange, that's what I'm trying to get my head around.

Don't even try to wrap your head around virtual particle exchange. It's so far beyond your current level of physics that you have no hope of understanding it. Stick with the classical understanding for now. Not to mention that it really doesn't explain why particles accelerate any more than classical physics does, it only elaborates on how the interaction between two particles works and enables us to make more accurate predictions at the atomic and subatomic level.

In the end the two particles accelerate because they feel a force from each other. Applying a force to an object causes it to accelerate. It's literally as simple as that, and trying to find a "deeper" understanding is pointless. You won't find one because it doesn't exist, and not even understanding virtual particles will change this.
 

What is opposite electrical charge?

Opposite electrical charge refers to the fundamental property of subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, to have either a positive or negative charge. These charges interact with each other through the electromagnetic force, causing particles with opposite charges to be attracted to each other.

What is particle attraction?

Particle attraction refers to the force of attraction between particles with opposite electrical charges. This attraction is caused by the exchange of virtual photons, which create an electric field that pulls the particles together.

Why do opposite electrical charges attract each other?

Opposite electrical charges attract each other because of the fundamental laws of electromagnetism. Like charges repel each other, while opposite charges attract each other. This is due to the exchange of virtual photons and the resulting electric field between the particles.

Can opposite electrical charges also repel each other?

Yes, opposite electrical charges can also repel each other. This is because the strength of the electric field depends on the magnitude of the charges and the distance between them. If the charges are close together, the electric field can be strong enough to overcome the attractive force and cause the particles to repel each other.

How does opposite electrical charge impact the behavior of matter?

Opposite electrical charge plays a crucial role in the behavior of matter. It allows atoms to form stable bonds, which make up the molecules and compounds that make up our world. It also allows for the creation of electrical circuits and the transmission of electricity, which is essential for modern technology. Without opposite electrical charges, matter as we know it would not exist.

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