Question

if the distance between the two objects is tripled how does this affect the overall strength of the electric force between them

Answer 1

Taking into account the Coulomb's Law: $F_e = K\cdot \frac{Q_1\cdot Q_2}{d^2}$

If the value of "d" is tripled:

$F_e = K\cdot \frac{2Q_1\cdot Q_2}{(3d)^2} = K\cdot \frac{Q_1\cdot Q_2}{9d^2} =\bf \frac{F_e}{9}$

The new force is nine times smaller.