Answer:
The new force between charges becomes (1/9)th of the initial force.
Explanation:
The electric force acting between two charges is given by :
[tex]F=\dfrac{kq_1q_2}{d^2}[/tex]
k is the electrostatic constant
If the two charges are separated by 3 times their current distance, d' = 3d
We need to find the new Coulomb force between the charges. The new force is given by :
[tex]F'=\dfrac{kq_1q_2}{d'^2}[/tex]
[tex]F'=\dfrac{kq_1q_2}{(3d)^2}[/tex]
[tex]F'=\dfrac{1}{9}\times \dfrac{kq_1q_2}{d^2}[/tex]
[tex]F'=\dfrac{F}{9}[/tex]
So, the new force between charges becomes (1/9)th of the initial force.