Question

Two point charges of the same polarities are hung with the help of two threads and kept close. The angle between the threads will be _________ if the system is taken to space.

(a) 180 degree

(b) 90 degree

(c) 45 degree

(d) 60 degree

This question was posed to me during a job interview.

My question is from Electric Field topic in section Charges and Fields of Physics – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) 180 degree

To explain: There is gravitational field on earth, so if we hang the two same charges there will be an interaction of vertical gravitational field and horizontal electric field. The system will achieve equilibrium by creating a certain angle between the threads and hence the vertical and horizontal components of forces will balance. But in space, there is no gravity. So the charges will be at 180-degree separation.