If the distance between two point charges its increased by a factor of four, the magnitude of the electrostatic force between them will be
- 1/4 of its former value
-
1/16 of its former value
- 1/2 of its former value
- 4 times its former value
The correct answer is: B
Explanation
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