select the correct answer.\nthe electric force between two charged objects is 0.24 newtons. if the distance…

select the correct answer.\nthe electric force between two charged objects is 0.24 newtons. if the distance between them is increased by a factor of 4, what will be the new force?\na. 0.015 newtons\nb. 0.03 newtons\nc. 0.06 newtons\nd. 0.12 newtons\ne. 0.36 newtons
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall Coulomb's law
The electric - force formula is $F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^{2}}$, where $F$ is the electric force, $k$ is a constant, $q_1$ and $q_2$ are the charges of the two objects, and $r$ is the distance between them. Let the initial force be $F_1=k\frac{q_1q_2}{r_1^{2}} = 0.24$ N.
Step2: Analyze the new - distance situation
The new distance $r_2 = 4r_1$. The new force $F_2=k\frac{q_1q_2}{r_2^{2}}=k\frac{q_1q_2}{(4r_1)^{2}}$.
Step3: Express $F_2$ in terms of $F_1$
$F_2=k\frac{q_1q_2}{16r_1^{2}}=\frac{1}{16}\times k\frac{q_1q_2}{r_1^{2}}$. Since $F_1 = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r_1^{2}} = 0.24$ N, then $F_2=\frac{F_1}{16}$.
Step4: Calculate the new force
$F_2=\frac{0.24}{16}=0.015$ N.
Answer:
A. 0.015 newtons