Question

When we take a charged comb and take it near a stream of flowing water falling from a tap, it is observed that the water is bending towards the comb. Which of the following can be the reason for it?

• A. Electrostatic discharge from the tap.
• B. Magnetic attraction by charged comb.
• C. Water flowing under gravity acquires magnetic properties.
• D. Electrostatic force between comb and water stream.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Electrostatic force between comb and water stream.

When the charged comb is brought near water, the water molecules reorient themselves such that opposite charges align themselves towards the comb. As we know that unlike charges attract, the water-flow bends towards the comb.