Why Do Opposite Charges Attract?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of positive and negative charges and the electrostatic attraction between them. The speakers mention that this concept is taught at a basic level in school and is a useful way to understand the behavior of electricity in nature. However, they also acknowledge that there is no clear explanation for why this attraction occurs on an atomic level. The conversation also mentions a deeper understanding of this concept in Quantum Field Theory, but it is still a subject of debate.
  • #1
akashpandey
90
4
I know its very basic but still.
From the school level we thaught that positive attracts negative.

But i still don't know what is reason behind it.
Why this work on atomic level? What is the reason behind the electrostatic attraction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
  • Like
Likes Shakir

FAQ: Why Do Opposite Charges Attract?

Why do positive and negative charges attract each other?

Positive and negative charges attract each other because of the fundamental force of electromagnetism. This force is caused by the exchange of virtual particles called photons between the charges, creating an attractive force between them.

How does the concept of "opposites attract" apply to positive and negative charges?

In the context of electricity, opposites attract because positive and negative charges have opposite electrical polarities. This means that they have different amounts of electric charge, which causes them to be attracted to each other.

Can positive charges attract other positive charges?

No, positive charges repel other positive charges. This is because like charges have the same electrical polarity and therefore, they experience a repulsive force between them. Only positive and negative charges can attract each other.

Why do positive and negative charges attract in a vacuum?

The attraction between positive and negative charges is not dependent on the presence of a medium. The force of electromagnetism can act through a vacuum, which is why positive and negative charges can attract each other even in a vacuum.

How does the distance between positive and negative charges affect their attraction?

The force of attraction between positive and negative charges decreases as the distance between them increases. This is because the force of electromagnetism follows an inverse square law, meaning that the force decreases exponentially as the distance between the charges increases.

Similar threads

B Questions about the Universe: Positive & negative fields and effects
Replies
4
Views
3K
B Why does an attractive force always have a negative sign?
Replies
2
Views
16K
B Why gravitational force is attractive? (and why dark matter is repulsive?)
Replies
10
Views
3K
B Franklin Bell: Does Positive/Negative Side Matter?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Questions about atoms: shells, attraction, elements
Replies
1
Views
1K
Trigger for a Zn oxidation reaction in a battery
Replies
9
Views
1K
Dielectric and Attraction Between Oppositely Charged Plates
Replies
10
Views
2K
B Why don't electrons leave a metal surface?
Replies
28
Views
2K
Why do objects attract each other when placed close together?
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Why are two cellophane tapes attracted when ripped apart?
Replies
3
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top