If the distance between two point charges its increased by a factor of four, the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them will be
A
1/4 of its former value
B
1/16 of its former value
C
1/2 of its former value
D
4 times its former value
Verified Correct Answer: B.
Physical Principles & Numerical Solution
For the two point charges, the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them is given by the equation:
F ∝ 1/r2, and if the distance is increased by a factor of 4, that is new distance = 4r,
then, new force F ∝ 1/(4r)2
= ∝ 1/16r2
Thus it will be 1/16 of the former value
Source: Myschool Past Questions Archive (Record #14281)