Two point charges each experience a 1-N electrostatic force when they are 2 cm apart.If they are moved to a new separation of 8 cm,what is the magnitude of the electric force on each of them?
A)2 N
B)1/2 N
C)1/4 N
D)1/8 N
E)1/16 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrostatic force between two point charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (Coulomb's Law). If the distance is increased from 2 cm to 8 cm, the distance is multiplied by 4. Therefore, the force is divided by 4^2 = 16, resulting in a force of 1/16 N.

Two Point Charges Each Experience a 1-N Electrostatic Force When