The electric force between two charged particles becomes weaker with increasing distance. Suppose instead that the electric force were independent of distance. In this case, would a charged comb still cause a neutral insulator to become polarized as in Fig. 21.8? Why or why not? Would the neutral insulator still be attracted to the comb? Again, why or why not?

Fig.21.8

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Electrons in each molecule of the neutral insulator shift away from the comb. This time, electrons in the molecules shift toward the comb . Positively charged comb `Negatively charged comb As a result, the (+) charges in each molecule are closer to the comb than are the (–) charges and so feel a stronger force from the comb. Therefore the net force is attractive. so the (-) charges in each molecule are closer to the comb, and feel a stronger force from it, than the (+) charges. Again, the net force is attractive.