Two charges separated by one meter exert 1-N forces on each other. If the charges are pulled to 3-m separation distance, the force on each charge will be
A) 0.11 N.
B) 9 N.
C) 0 N.
D) 0.33 N.
E) 3 N.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The force between two charges is given by Coulomb's law, which states that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges. If the distance is tripled (from 1 meter to 3 meters), the force is reduced by a factor of $3^2 = 9$. Therefore, the new force is $1 \, \text{N} / 9 = 0.11 \, \text{N}$.

Two Charges Separated by One Meter Exert 1-N Forces on Each