Question

Is there any relationship between electrostatic force, distance, and charge? Please explain.

Answer 1

Yes, there is relationship between the electrostatic force F, distance and charge. This can be understood as follows;

According to Coulomb's law, electrostatic force F between two static charges held at r distance apart is ;

directly proportional to the magnitude of two charges and inversely proportional to the square of distance r between them.

i.e F = kq1*q2/r2 .....eqn 1

where k is the constant of proportionality = 9*109 N m2 C-2.

Eqn 1 states that as the distance between the charges increase, Electrostatic force F would decrease in magnitude.

i.e Greater the distance of seperation, lesser the electrostatic force and vice versa.

Also, if the two charges are of opposite nature, i.e suppose q1 = -ve and q2 = +ve

then q1*q2 = (-ve)*(+ve) = -ve  

This would lead to -ve sign in front of electrostatic force thereby showing that Force is attractive in nature.

Similary, if two charges are of similar nature; then q1*q2 = +ve ,thereby leading to repulsive force between them.

This is how electrostatic force F, charge and the distance are related to each other.