Question

Two point charges, Q1 and Q2. are separated by a distance R. If the magnitudes of both charges are halved and their separation is also halved, what happens to the electrical

force that each charge exerts on the other one?
O It increases by a factor of 8
O It increases by a factor of 2
O It increases by a factor of 4
O It remains the same

Answer 1

Remains the same

Step-by-step explanation:

F = C q1 q2 / r^2 now change things as the question states

C 1/2 q1 1/2 q2 / (r/2)^2

= C 1/4 q1 q1 / (1/4 * r^2) (simplify...the 1/4 's cancel each other)

= C q1 q2 / r^2 <==== this is the same as original !