Two small electrically charged objects are placed 6 centimeters (cm) apart, where they exert a force of 8 N on each other. How far apart must they be placed in order to exert a force of 2 N on each other?
A) 18 cm
B) 9 cm
C) 24 cm
D) 12 cm
E) 3 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force between two charged objects is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. So, if the distance is increased by a factor of 3, the force will be decreased by a factor of 9. Therefore, the objects must be placed 3 * 6 = 18 cm apart in order to exert a force of 2 N on each other.

Two Small Electrically Charged Objects Are Placed 6 Centimeters (Cm)