What happens when two particles have opposite charges?

When two particles possess opposite charges, they exhibit an attractive force towards each other. This phenomenon arises from the fundamental principles of electrostatics in which electrically charged objects interact. Positive and negative charges are drawn to one another because opposite charges exert a force of attraction. This interaction can be illustrated through the concept of electric fields and the forces acting between charged particles.

For example, when a negatively charged electron comes near a positively charged proton, the attractive force pulls them together, resulting in the formation of neutral atoms. This principle is foundational in understanding atomic structure and chemical bonding, which rely on the interactions between charged particles.

Understanding this force helps explain various natural phenomena, from the formation of molecules to the behavior of electric currents.