When the perpendicular distance from an infinitely long wire with a uniform linear charge distribution is tripled, what happens to the electric field strength? A) it stays the same B) it decreases by a factor of 3 C) it decreases by a factor of 9 D) it decreases by a factor of (3)^1/2 E) it increases by a factor of (3)^1/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Coulomb's law, the electric field strength of a point on a wire with a uniform linear charge distribution is inversely proportional to the perpendicular distance from that point to the wire. Therefore, if the perpendicular distance is tripled, the electric field strength will decrease by a factor of 3.

When the Perpendicular Distance from an Infinitely Long Wire with a Uniform