Question

The gravitational force between the charged constituents of the atom is negligible compared with the electric force between them. The electric force is so strong, however, that any net charge on an object quickly attracts nearby opposite charges, neutralizing the object. As a result, gravity plays a greater role in the mechanics of moving objects in everyday life. QUESTION If the distance between two charges is doubled, by what factor is the magnitude of the electric force changed?

Answer 1

Answer: The initial force is reduced a factor 1/4 when the separation between charge is doubled

Explanation: As it well known the electric force between two charges is given by:

Finitial=k*q1*q2/d^2 where d is the distance between charges and k is a constant

if the distance is doubled this means 2*dinitial thus the new force is equal to F initial* 1/4