Question

The force, F, between two magnets varies inversely as the square of the distance, d, between them. F = 150 when d = 2. Calculate F when d = 4.

A) 37.5
B) 150
C) 9.375
D) 300

Answer 1

The force F when d = 4 is calculated using the inverse square law. The constant C is determined to be 600 from the given values, and when using this constant with d = 4, the force is computed as 37.5, which is option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

The force F between two magnets varies inversely as the square of the distance d between them. This is an example of the inverse square law which states that F = C/d², where C is a constant of proportionality. Given that F = 150 when d = 2, we can find the value of the constant C by rearranging the equation to C = Fd² which results in C = 150 × 2² or C = 600.

Now, to calculate F when d = 4, we plug the values into the inverse square law formula:

F = C/d² = 600/4² = 600/16 = 37.5

Therefore, the force F when d = 4 is 37.5, which corresponds to option A).