Comparison of Electrostatic & Gravitational Force

Points of similarity :-

a) Both these are central forces. i.e, they act along the line joining the centres of two interacting bodies.
b) Both the forces obey the inverse square law of distance.
c) Both are conservative forces, i.e, the work done by them does not depend upon the path followed.
d) Both forces can operate even in vacum.

Points of dissimilarity :-

a) While the gravitational forces are always attractive in nature, the electrostatic forces may be attractive or repulsive.
b) While the gravitational force does not depend upon the medium, the electrostatic force definitely depends upon the medium.
c) Electrostatic forces are extremely large as compared to gravitational forces.

note : On a dry day, a dry comb when it has run through your hair can lift a small piece of paper upwards. In this way, it can overcome the force of gravity exerted by the whole of earth on paper.

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