By how much is the electrical force between a pair of ions reduced when their separation distance is doubled? Tripled?
2007-03-17 10:11:16 · 3 answers · asked by hintzruby 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The Coulomb force is inverse proportional to the square of the distance.
If the distance is 2x taller, then the force is 4 times smaller.
If the distance is 3x taller, then the force is 9 times smaller.
Th
2007-03-17 11:24:05 · answer #1 · answered by Thermo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies according to 1/r^2, according to Coulomb's Law.
Thus when the distance is doubled, the force decreases by a factor of 2^2 or 4
When it is tripled, it decreases by a factor of 3^2 or 9
2007-03-17 17:18:05 · answer #2 · answered by dudara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(2r)^2 = 4r^2; reduced by factor of 4
((3r)^2 = 9r^2; reduced by factor of 9
2007-03-17 17:19:32 · answer #3 · answered by J Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋