Conceptual Understanding in Introductory Physics XXVII: Mass and Charge

This question is inspired by my recent ramblings on electric charge and by the elements of thought in the Paul/Elder critical thinking framework.

(a) In first semester physics, you learned that mass is necessary to calculate the gravitational force shared by two interacting entities. What are the physical implications of mass always being positive?

(b) In second semester physics, you just learned that charge is necessary to calculate the electric force shared by two interacting entities. What are the physical implications of charge bring both positive and negative?

Go!

 

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