Two point charges, initially 2.0 cm apart, experience a 1.0-N force. If they are moved to a new separation of 8.0 cm, what is the electric force between them?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electric force between two point charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (Coulomb's Law). If the distance is increased from 2.0 cm to 8.0 cm (which is 4 times), the force becomes (1/4)^2 = 1/16 of the original force. Thus, the new force is 1.0 N * 1/16 = 1/16 N.

Two Point Charges, Initially 2