Answer:
F' = F/12
Therefore, the electrostatic force is reduced to one-twelve of its original value.
Explanation:
The electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion between to charges is given by Coulomb's Law:
F = kq₁q₂/r² ---------- equation 1
where,
F = Electrostatic Force
k = Coulomb's Constant
q₁ = magnitude of first charge
q₂ = magnitude of 2nd charge
r = distance between charges
Now, if we double the distance between charges and reduce one charge to one-third value, then the force will become:
F' = kq₁'q₂'/r'²
where,
q₁' = (1/3)q₁
q₂' = q₂
r' = 2r
Therefore,
F' = k(1/3 q₁)(q₂)/(2r)²
F' = (1/12)kq₁q₂/r²
using equation 1:
<u>F' = F/12</u>
<u>Therefore, the electrostatic force is reduced to one-twelve of its original value.</u>
