Question

which two options would increase the electric force between two charged particles?
a. decrease the charge of both particles.

b. decrease the distance between the particles.

c. increase the distance between the particles.

d. decrease the charge of one of the particles.

e. increase the charge of one of the particles.

Explanation:

To determine which options increase the electric force between two charged particles, we use Coulomb's Law: \( F = k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2} \), where \( F \) is the electric force, \( k \) is a constant, \( q_1 \) and \( q_2 \) are the charges of the particles, and \( r \) is the distance between them.

• Option A: Decreasing both charges (\( q_1, q_2 \)) would decrease \( F \), so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Decreasing the distance (\( r \)) makes \( r^2 \) smaller, so \( F \) increases (since \( F \) is inversely proportional to \( r^2 \)). Thus, B is correct.
• Option C: Increasing \( r \) makes \( r^2 \) larger, so \( F \) decreases. C is incorrect.
• Option D: Decreasing one charge (\( q_1 \) or \( q_2 \)) decreases \( F \), so D is incorrect.
• Option E: Increasing one charge (\( q_1 \) or \( q_2 \)) increases \( F \) (since \( F \) is directly proportional to the product of charges). Thus, E is correct.

Answer:

B. Decrease the distance between the particles, E. Increase the charge of one of the particles