What phenomenon occurs when two like charges repel each other?

• A. Induction
• B. Static electricity
• C. Attraction
• D. Repulsion

Answer: (D)

When two like charges repel each other, it is identified as repulsion. This phenomenon occurs because charged objects generate electric fields around them, and like charges—such as two positive charges or two negative charges—create fields that push against each other. This interaction is a fundamental principle of electromagnetism, illustrating that similar types of electrical charge will always push away from one another due to the forces acting in their respective electric fields.

Understanding repulsion is essential in fields like electronics and electrostatics, as it helps explain how certain components interact. The concepts of induction, static electricity, and attraction relate to different aspects of electrical interactions but do not accurately describe the behavior observed when like charges are present. Induction involves the redistribution of charges in a neutral object due to an external charge, static electricity refers to the accumulation of charge, and attraction describes the interaction between unlike charges. Therefore, the clear definition of repulsion directly corresponds to the observed behavior of like charges pushing away from one another.