A Level Physics Practice Exam

What are the characteristics of the electrostatic force between two charged particles?

1. It has a finite range but is strong

2. It has infinite range but decreases with distance

3. It is only attractive

4. It is constant regardless of distance

The correct answer is: It has infinite range but decreases with distance

The electrostatic force between two charged particles is characterized by its ability to act over an infinite range, meaning that it can influence charged particles even when they are far apart. However, the strength of this force diminishes with increasing distance, following Coulomb's law, which states that the force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the charges. This means that as the distance increases, the magnitude of the force becomes weaker. This characteristic distinguishes electrostatic forces from other types of forces that may have limited ranges or behave differently with distance. The infinite range of the electrostatic force allows for interactions between charged particles at great distances, making it a significant force in various physical phenomena. The other options do not accurately describe the nature of electrostatic force. It is not limited to being only attractive, as it can also be repulsive when like charges are involved. Furthermore, the force does not remain constant regardless of distance, as its value changes according to the distance between the charges. Lastly, it is not finite in range; rather, it can act over very large distances, albeit with diminishing strength.