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Q19 (CDS-I/2015) Science & Technology › Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) › Basic mechanics concepts Answer Verified

In respect of the difference of the gravitational force from electric and magnetic forces, which one of the following statements is true ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

The fundamental difference between gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces lies in their nature of interaction. Gravitational force is always an attractive force [2]. It acts between any two bodies with mass, pulling them toward each other [3]. In contrast, electric and magnetic forces can be both attractive and repulsive [2]. Electric forces attract opposite charges and repel like charges. Similarly, magnetic forces attract unlike poles and repel like poles [4]. While gravity is the weakest of the fundamental forces [3], it is the dominant force on an astronomical scale because it is always additive and attractive [3]. Both gravitational and electromagnetic forces are long-range forces that can be felt from infinite distances [4], making statements regarding short ranges incorrect. Therefore, the unique characteristic of gravity compared to the other two is its exclusively attractive nature [2].

Sources

  1. [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Exploring Forces > Snapshots > p. 77
  2. [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Exploring Forces > Activity 5.8: Let us observe > p. 72
  3. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 5: Earths Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > 5. Earth's Magnetic Field (Geomagnetic Field) > p. 65
  4. [4] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Exploring Forces > Magnetic force > p. 69
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