Two charges that are separated by one meter exert 1-N forces on each other. If the magnitude of each charge is doubled, the force on each charge is
A)1 N.
B)2 N.
C)4 N.
D)8 N.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Coulomb's law, the force between two charges (F) is directly proportional to the product of their magnitudes (q1 and q2) and inversely proportional to the square of the distance (r) between them. Mathematically, F ∝ (q1q2)/r^2.

Since the distance between the charges remains the same, doubling the magnitude of each charge (q1 and q2) will quadruple the force (F) between them. Therefore, the force on each charge will be 4 N, which is four times the original force of 1 N. Thus, choice C is the correct answer.

Two Charges That Are Separated by One Meter Exert 1-N