Moderate

If the distance between two identical charges is doubled, then the force of repulsion betweenthem decreases by

Correct answer: C. one-fourth of the previous value.

  • A. two-third of the previous value.
  • B. one-third of the previous value.
  • C. one-fourth of the previous value.
  • D. three-fourth of the previous value.

Explanation

When the distance between two identical charges is doubled, the force of repulsion between them decreases by a factor of 1/2^2 = 1/4. This is because the force between charges is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (Coulomb's Law). Option C, one-fourth of the previous value., is the correct answer. The other options provide incorrect fractions as they do not consider the correct mathematical relationship between distance and force in this scenario.

Last updated

About Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's law gives the electrostatic force between two point charges in terms of their magnitudes, separation and the medium between them. Questions involve attraction and repulsion, the inverse square relationship, superposition of forces and vector direction, which must not be confused with the electric field produced by a charge.

Practise Electrostatics

831 free Electrostatics MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions