Question

Two point charges are brought closer together, increasing the force between them by a factor of 25. By what factor was their separation decreased?

a) 5
b) 10
c) 15
d) 25

Answer 1

When the force between two point charges is increased by a factor of 25, their separation is decreased by a factor of 5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. When the force between the charges is increased by a factor of 25, their separation is decreased by a factor of the square root of 25, which is 5.

The force between two point charges is given by Coulomb's law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.

When the force between the charges is increased by a factor of 25, their separation is decreased by a factor of the square root of 25, which is 5.

When the force between two point charges is increased by a factor of 25, their separation is decreased by a factor of 5.