Two point charges, Q₁ and Q₂, are separated by a distance R. If the magnitudes of both charges are doubled and their separation is also doubled, what happens to the electrical force that each charge exerts on the other one?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrical force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's law: $ F = k \frac{|Q_1 Q_2|}{R^2} $. If both charges are doubled and the distance is also doubled, the new force is $ F' = k \frac{|(2Q_1)(2Q_2)|}{(2R)^2} = k \frac{4|Q_1 Q_2|}{4R^2} = k \frac{|Q_1 Q_2|}{R^2} = F $. Thus, the force remains the same.

Two Point Charges, Q1 and Q2, Are Separated by a Distance

Two Point Charges, Q₁ and Q₂, Are Separated by a Distance