When two point charges are 2.0 cm apart,each one experiences a 1.0-N electric force due to the other charge.If they are moved to a new separation of 8.0 cm,the electric force on each of them is closest to
A) 1.0 N.
B) 4.0 N.
C) 16 N.
D) 0.25 N.
E) 0.063 N.

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). When the distance is increased from 2.0 cm to 8.0 cm (a factor of 4), the force is reduced by a factor of $4^2 = 16$. Therefore, the new force is $1.0 \, \text{N} / 16 = 0.0625 \, \text{N}$, which is closest to 0.063 N.

When Two Point Charges Are 2