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If the distance between two point charges is halved, the electrostatic force between them becomes

Correct answer: C. four times

  • A. half
  • B. double
  • C. four times
  • D. one quarter

Explanation

Force varies as one over the square of the separation, so halving the distance multiplies the force by four. Answering double treats the relationship as a simple inverse, which is the standard error. Tripling the distance would reduce the force to one ninth by the same reasoning.

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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.

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