Question (1.1): Three objects are brought close to each other, two at a time. When objects A and B are brought together, they repel. When objects B and C are brought together, they also repel. Which of the following are true? (a) Objects A and C possess c

Question (1.1): Three objects are brought close to each other, two at a time. When objects A
and B are brought together, they repel. When objects B and C are brought together, they also
repel. Which of the following are true? (a) Objects A and C possess charges of the same sign.
(b) Objects A and C possess charges of opposite sign. (c) All three objects possess charges of the
same sign. (d) One object is neutral. (e) Additional experiments must be performed to determine
the signs of the charges.

1 Answer
Daniel H.
Mar 2, 2018

If you assume the objects are made of a conductive material, the answer is C

Explanation:

If the objects are conductors, the charge will be evenly distributed throughout the object, either positive or negative.

So, if A and B repel, that means they are both positive or both negative. Then, if B and C also repel, that means they are also both positive or both negative.

By the mathematical principle of Transitivity, if

#A->B and B->C#, then #A->C#

However, if the objects are not made of a conductive material, the charges will not be uniformly distributed. In that case, you would have to do more experimentation.

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