If the distance between two point charges its increased by a factor of four; the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them will be?

by | Nov 12 | Physics JAMB | 0 comments

A. 1/4 of its former value
B. 1/16 of its former value
C. 1/2 of its former value
D. 4 times its former value

Correct Answer:

Option B – 1/16 of its former value

Explanation

For the two-point charges, the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them is given by the equation:

F ∝ 1/r2, and if the distance is increased by a factor of 4, that is new distance = 4r,
then, new force F ∝ 1/(4r)2
= ∝ 1/16r2
Thus it will be 1/16 of the former value

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