Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 16 - Electric Charge and Electric Field - Search and Learn - Page 472: 4

Answer

Consider the force between 2 charged objects. Coulomb observed that if the charge on one of the objects were doubled, then the force would be doubled.

Work Step by Step

Consider the force between 2 charged objects. Coulomb observed that if the charge on one of the objects were doubled, then the force would be doubled. This agrees with a law that says that the force is proportional to the product of the charges, but is not consistent with saying that the force is proportional to the sum of the charges. Furthermore, he observed that a charged object exerts no force on a neutral insulating object. Once again, this agrees with a law that says that the force is proportional to the product of the charges Q and 0, but is not consistent with saying that the force is proportional to the sum of the charges (for then there would be a force).
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