Question

Explain why a charged balloon is repelled by another charged balloon whereas an uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon.

Answer 1

Step 1: Repulsion of Charges

1. We know that like charges repel each other, and unlike charges attract each other.
2. From the question, we have, two charged bodies repelling each other.
3. Hence, both the charged balloons must have like charges so that they can repel each other.

Step 2: Induction of Charges

1. Due to the process of induction, the charged balloon will induce a charge on the other uncharged balloon.
2. This induced charge is opposite to the charge present in the charged balloon.
3. We know that opposite charges attract each other.
4. Hence, the uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon.

Hence, both the charged balloons must have like charges so that they can repel each other and the uncharged balloon is attracted by another charged balloon.