If the size of the charge value is doubled for both of two point charges maintained at a constant separation,the mutual force between them will be changed by what factor?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mutual force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Mathematically, it can be written as:

F = k*q1*q2/r^2

where F is the force, k is Coulomb's constant, q1 and q2 are the magnitudes of the two charges, and r is the distance between them.

If the charge value of both point charges is doubled, the new force between them can be calculated as follows:

F' = k*(2q1)*(2q2)/r^2 = 4*(k*q1*q2)/r^2 = 4F

Therefore, the mutual force between the two charges is quadrupled or increased by a factor of 4. Hence, the correct answer is A) 4.

If the Size of the Charge Value Is Doubled for Both