How Does Reducing Distance Affect Force Between Charges?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between distance and force in the context of electrostatics, specifically using Coulomb's law to analyze the force between two charges when the distance is altered.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of reducing the distance between charges and how it affects the force, with one participant attempting to apply a formula related to the distances.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into using Coulomb's law directly, while others are seeking clarification on the variables involved and the reasoning behind the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the variables used in the formula, as well as the interpretation of the relationship between distance and force in this context.

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Homework Statement



Two charges attract each other with a force of 3.0 N. What will be the force if the distance between them is reduced to one-ninth of its original value?

Homework Equations



(rA/rB)^2

The Attempt at a Solution



not sure how to find this.
 
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What is rA and rB?
 
sorry was a formula, i figured it out though,

(rA/rA9)^2 = 81

81* 3.0 N. = 243 N

Okay so i got the answer, maybe someone could explain what is going on if you will?
 
Use Coulomb's law directly. Take the charges to be q1 and q2, and the initial dist between them to be r.
 

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