The magnitude of the electric field at a distance of two meters from a negative point charge is E. What is the magnitude of the electric field at the same location if the magnitude of the charge is doubled?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Coulomb's law, the magnitude of electric field E is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge Q and inversely proportional to the square of the distance r, i.e., E = kQ/r^2, where k is a constant. If the magnitude of the charge is doubled, the new magnitude of charge becomes 2Q. Therefore, the new magnitude of electric field at the same distance of two meters becomes E' = k(2Q)/r^2 = 2(kQ/r^2) = 2E. Hence, the correct option is D) 2E.

The Magnitude of the Electric Field at a Distance of Two