Question

If the magnitudes of both charges are tripled and their separation is also tripled, what happens to the magnitude of the electrostatic force that each charge exerts on the other

Answer 1

The force remains the same

Step-by-step explanation:

Originally;

Let the force on the charges be F1

distance of separation = r

magnitudes of the charges q1 and q2

K = Coulumb's constant

Hence;

F1= Kq1q2/r^2

Subsequently;

Let the force on the charges be F2

distance of separation = 3r

magnitudes of the charges 3q1 and 3q2

K = Coulumb's constant

Hence;

F2= K*3q1*3q2/(3r)^2

F2 = 9Kq1q2/9r^2

F2 = Kq1q2/r^2

Hence F1=F2