Two identical point charges q1 and q2 are at a distance r...

Two identical point charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ are at a distance $r$ apart. If the size of $q_1$ is doubled and the distance between them tripled, the strength of the electrical force between them (A) goes up by a factor of 3 . (B) goes down by a factor of 3 . (C) goes down by a factor of 9 . (D) goes down by a factor of $2 / 3$. (E) goes down by a factor of $2 / 9$

Two identical point charges $q_1$ and $q_2$ are at a distance $r$ apart. If the size of $q_1$ is doubled and the distance between them tripled, the strength of the electrical force between them
(A) goes up by a factor of 3 .
(B) goes down by a factor of 3 .
(C) goes down by a factor of 9 .
(D) goes down by a factor of $2 / 3$.
(E) goes down by a factor of $2 / 9$

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Key Concepts

Coulomb's Law

Coulomb's Law quantifies the force between two point charges, stating that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This law is fundamental in understanding how changes in charge magnitudes and separation impact the force.

Scaling and Proportionality in Physical Laws

Scaling involves analyzing how modifying one or more physical parameters (like charge magnitude or distance) affects a dependent variable (such as force). Proportional reasoning allows for the prediction of changes in force when these parameters are altered, based on the mathematical form of the law governing the interaction.

Inverse Square Law

The inverse square law is a principle stating that a physical quantity (such as the electric force) decreases in proportion to the square of the distance from its source. This concept is crucial for determining how increases in separation between charges significantly reduce the interaction force.

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