Question

If the distance between two charges is doubled, what will happen the force between the charges?

Answer 1

`1/4` th of the initial

Explanation:

From Coloumb's law of electrostatic force we know,

`F = (k q_1 q_2)/r^2` (where, `k` is a constant, `q_1` and `q_2` are two charges separated by distance `r`)

So,if the distance between the charges is doubled, new distance becomes `2r`

So,if now force acting between the same charges is `F"`

Then `F'= (k q_1 q_2)/(2r)^2 = 1/4 (k q_1 q_2)/r^2 = 1/4 F`

So,that means, force will be `1/4` th of the initial