When the perpendicular distance from a 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

The electric field strength due to a linear charge distribution is given by the equation:
E = (λ/2πε0) * (1/r)
Where λ is the linear charge density and r is the distance from the linear charge to the point where we want to calculate the electric field.
In this case, we are tripling the distance (r) from the linear charge. So the new distance becomes 3r. Using the same equation:
E' = (λ/2πε0) * (1/3r)
Comparing E' with E:
E'/E = 1/(3r)/(1/r) = 1/3
So the electric field strength is decreased by a factor of 3. Therefore, the best choice is B.

When the Perpendicular Distance from a Linear Charge Distribution Is