Aadya Isai

Definition of positive and negative charges:

Positive and negative charges are two opposite types of electric charge found in matter. A positive charge occurs when an object has fewer electrons than protons, and a negative charge occurs when an object has extra electrons. These charges create electrostatic forces that make objects attract or repel each other.

Electric force:

Electric forces are the interactive forces that arise between objects due to their electric charge. These forces follow the principles of Coulomb’s Law, which states that:

• Like charges repel.

  Two positively charged or two negatively charged bodies experience a repulsive force.

  
  

• Unlike charges attract.

  A positively charged body and a negatively charged body experience an attractive force.

Electric field basis

Every charged object generates an electric field (E-field) around it.

An electric field is a region in space where another charge will experience a force.

When a second charge enters this field, the interaction between its own charge and the external electric field produces an electrostatic force.

In simple words - Every charged object makes an “invisible area” around it. This invisible area is called an electric field.

If another charged object comes close, it will feel a push or a pull because of this invisible area. This push or pull is called electric charge.

Dependence on distance and charge

Electric force becomes:

• Stronger when the charges are larger (greater magnitude of charge).

• Weaker as the distance between the charges increases.

This is expressed mathematically by Coulomb’s inverse-square law.

Attractive force VS Repulsive force:

Attractive Forces

• These forces pull two objects toward each other.

• They happen when the charges are opposite (one positive, one negative).

• Example: A negatively charged balloon sticking to a positively charged wall.

Repulsive Forces

• These forces push two objects away from each other.

• They happen when the charges are the same (both positive or both negative).

• Example: Two hairs standing up and spreading apart because both have the same charge.