Question

Two point charges exert a 5.50 N force on each other. What will the force become if the distance between them is increased by a factor of 10?

Answer 1

Answer:

0.055 N

Explanation:

From coulomb's law,

F α 1/r²

F = k/r²

F₁r₁² = F₂r₂²......................... Equation 1

Where F₁ = Initial force, r₁ = initial distance, F₂ = Final force, r₂ = Final distance.

making F₂ the subject of the equation

F₂ = F₁r₁²/r₂²..................... Equation 2

Given: F₁ = 5.50 N.

Let: r₁ = x m, then r₂= 10x m

Substitute into equation 2

F₂ = 5.5(x²)/(10x)²

F₂ = 5.5x²/100x²

F₂ = 5.5/100

F₂ = 0.055 N.

Hence the force becomes 0.055 N