Question

Two charged particles attract each other with a force of magnitude F acting on each. If the charge of one is doubled and the distance separating the particles is also doubled, the force acting on each of the two particles has magnitude
(a) F/2,
(b) F/4,
(c) F,
(d) 2F,
(e) 4F,
(f) None of the above.

Answer 1

Answer:

F/2

Explanation:

In the first case, the two charges are Q1 and Q2 and the distance between them is r. K is the Coulomb's constant

Hence;

F= KQ1Q2/r^2 ------(1)

Where the charge on Q1 is doubled and the distance separating the charges is also doubled;

F= K2Q1 Q2/(2r)^2

F2= 2KQ1Q2/4r^2 ----(2)

F2= F/2

Comparing (1) and (2)

The magnitude of force acting on each of the two particles is;

F= F/2