Question

question 1 of 15
according to coulombs law, what effect does the separation distance have on the electric force?
a. the objects must be in contact with one another for the electric force to affect them.
b. the electric force varies with the distance between the charges. the closer they are, the stronger the force. the farther apart they are, the weaker the force.
c. the electric force is zero for very small distances, but increases for large distances.
d. only in charging by induction can the electric force act at a distance.

Explanation:

Coulomb's Law states that the electric force \( F \) between two charges \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) is given by \( F=\frac{kq_1q_2}{r^{2}} \), where \( k \) is Coulomb's constant and \( r \) is the separation distance between the charges. As \( r \) decreases, \( F \) increases (since \( F\propto\frac{1}{r^{2}} \)), and as \( r \) increases, \( F \) decreases. Option A is wrong because Coulomb's force is a non - contact (action - at - a - distance) force. Option C is incorrect as per the formula \( F=\frac{kq_1q_2}{r^{2}} \), when \( r \) is very small (non - zero), \( F \) is large. Option D is wrong because Coulomb's force (from Coulomb's Law) acts at a distance for all types of charged objects (not just in charging by induction).

Answer:

B. The electric force varies with the distance between the charges. The closer they are, the stronger the force. The farther apart they are, the weaker the force.