The forces of gravity and electromagnetism are long-range forces, extending in principle from their source (mass and electric charge, respectively) to infinity. Why is it that, in the universe, only gravity extends to infinity, whereas electromagnetic forces are much more limited in extent?
A) Gravity and electromagnetism are one and the same force, with electromagnetic effects extending over limited spatial ranges and transforming into gravitational forces at large distances from matter.
B) Electromagnetic forces from charged particles will move other charged particles around to produce a uniform charge distribution and therefore zero electromagnetic forces, whereas gravity concentrates mass and enhances the overall gravity force.
C) Electromagnetic forces from positive charges are canceled by negative charges, whereas there are no negative "masses" to cancel the gravitational force.
D) All atoms are electrically neutral, so in reality the electromagnetic force never reaches beyond the size of an atomic nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electromagnetic forces are often canceled out because positive and negative charges tend to balance each other, whereas gravity is always attractive and accumulates with mass, having no negative counterpart to cancel it out.

The Forces of Gravity and Electromagnetism Are Long-Range Forces, Extending