Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does the law of charges state?

1. Like charges attract each other

2. Unlike charges repel each other

3. Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract

4. Like charges and unlike charges behave the same

The correct answer is: Like charges repel each other and unlike charges attract

The law of charges states that like charges repel each other while unlike charges attract. This fundamental principle of electrostatics is crucial for understanding the behavior of electric charges. When two objects with the same type of electrical charge (either both positive or both negative) are brought near each other, they will push away from one another due to the repulsive force. Conversely, when a positive charge comes into proximity with a negative charge, they will pull towards each other, resulting in an attractive force. This principle is foundational in physics and has practical applications in various fields, including electricity and magnetism. It helps in understanding phenomena such as static electricity, the functioning of electrical circuits, and the behavior of molecular structures. Recognizing that the interactions of charges depend on their types is key to grasping how electric forces operate in various contexts.