Author Question: The electromagnetic force between two charged particles is much greater than the strength of gravity ... (Read 43 times)

Awilson837 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

The electromagnetic force between two charged particles is much greater than the strength of gravity between them, no matter how far apart they are.

Nevertheless, it is gravity, rather than the electromagnetic force, that dominates the universe on large scales. Briefly explain why.

Question 2

Solar-type stars in our galaxy are

A) very common, making up about 50 of the total
B) very rare (less than 1)
C) fairly common (several percent)
D) the most common type of stars in our galaxy (75 or more)

hramirez205 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Despite its far greater strength per particle, the electromagnetic force is unable to attain very large values because it is impossible to accumulate a very large charge. This is because large objects tend to have equal amounts of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) charge, and the electromagnetic force thus cancels itself out. Gravity, on the other hand, always attracts: As objects get more and more massive, gravity continues to gain strength. Thus, for very large objects, there will be a great deal of gravitational attraction but virtually no electromagnetic force, since the overall object is neutral.

Answer to Question 2

C