Coulomb’s Law Problem
Physics Problem: Coulomb’s Law
Two charges, Q1 and Q2, are placed at a distance r apart. If the magnitude of each charge is doubled and the distance between them is halved, the force between them will be:
Options:
- A. Quadrupled
- B. Halved
- C. Doubled
- D. Increased by sixteen times
Answer: D. Increased by sixteen times
Explanation:
The force between two charges is given by Coulomb’s law:
When the magnitude of each charge is doubled, the charges become 2Q1 and 2Q2. When the distance is halved, the distance becomes r/2.
Substituting these new values into Coulomb’s law:
Simplifying the expression:
The original force F is given by:
Therefore, the new force F’ is:
Thus, the force between the charges will be increased by sixteen times.
Coulomb’s Law Problem
Physics Problem: Coulomb’s Law
Two charges, Q1 and Q2, are placed at a distance r apart. If the magnitude of each charge is doubled and the distance between them is halved, the force between them will be:
Options:
- A. Quadrupled
- B. Halved
- C. Doubled
- D. Increased by sixteen times
Answer: D. Increased by sixteen times
Explanation:
The force between two charges is given by Coulomb’s law:
When the magnitude of each charge is doubled, the charges become 2Q1 and 2Q2. When the distance is halved, the distance becomes r/2.
Substituting these new values into Coulomb’s law:
Simplifying the expression:
The original force F is given by:
Therefore, the new force F’ is:
Thus, the force between the charges will be increased by sixteen times.